260 Kanals State Land retrieved in Jammu

An anti-encroachment drive was today launched by the Revenue Department alongwith Police teams in village Jammu Khas of Tehsil Jammu and Chhanni Rama of Tehsil Bahu whereby 260 Kanals of State land has been retrieved during a daylong exercise.

It has been learnt that large patch of 220 Kanals of State land located near Tawi River in village Jammu Khas has been retrieved after dismantling 15 structures. The total value of this patch is estimated to be close to Rs.200 crore as per Stamp Duty Rates.

Further another prime patch of land totalling 40 Kanals situated along the National Highway in village Chhanni Rama, Tehsil Bahu has also been retrieved simultaneously. A total of 52 structures including 6 large commercial buildings situated on this patch have been demolished during the exercise. The value of this land is estimated to Rs.56 crore as per Stamp Duty Rates though the market value is much higher owing to large scale commercial establishments that are located in the vicinity and along the National Highway.

Prominent sign boards depicting State land have been erected at the retrieved sites in order to secure the retrieved land and prevent any re-encroachment attempt by the land grabbers.

It is pertinent to mention that several directives have been issued by the High Court J&K and UT Government for removal of encroachments on State land. In pursuance to the directions, action plan has been formulated for retrieval of such land and State land and over 15000 Kanals of State land has been retrieved in the District over the past 03 months and sign boards stands installed.

The land so retrieved shall be put to gainful use keeping in view the requirements projected by various Government Departments as well as priorities of the Administration.

In a separate exercise, the Forest Department has retrieved 12 Kanals of Forest land in Compartment No. 65/Bahu located along the National Highway in demarcated forest area near Environmental Park, Raika. The joint eviction drive was carried out by Forest Department and J&K Police whereby 17 structures were dismantled for retrieval of land under the supervision of Conservator of Forest, East Circle, Jammu and Divisional Forest Officer, Jammu.