A substantial encroachment on state land has been brought to light across Jammu and Kashmir, revealing significant regional disparities. Official data indicates that over 17 lakh kanals of state land have been encroached upon, with the Jammu division accounting for a disproportionately large share compared to the Kashmir division.
The data, meticulously compiled from revenue records, paints a concerning picture of land management challenges in the region. According to the official figures, a total of approximately 17,27,247 kanals of encroached state land entries were expunged from revenue records across Jammu and Kashmir.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that, of the total encroached land, the Jammu division accounts for a staggering 14,00,051 kanals and five marlas. This figure is more than three times the 3,27,199 kanals recorded in the Kashmir division. The stark contrast highlights the uneven distribution of encroachment across the two regions, raising questions about the factors contributing to this disparity.
The official data reveals that within the Jammu division, seven districts have recorded encroachments exceeding one lakh kanals each. Notably, Rajouri and Reasi have surpassed the two lakh kanal mark, positioning them as hotspots for illegal land occupation. In stark contrast, none of the ten districts in the Kashmir division have reported encroachments exceeding one lakh kanals. Baramulla and Kupwara are the only districts in the Valley where encroachments have crossed the 50,000 kanal mark.
Further analysis of the data reveals significant differences between the twin capital districts of Jammu and Srinagar. Jammu district accounts for 1,45,487 kanals and six marlas of encroached land, while Srinagar recorded only 13,862.95 kanals. This indicates that Jammu district alone has over ten times more encroached state land than Srinagar, underscoring the wide disparities within the state.
Rajouri district has emerged as the most affected district in Jammu and Kashmir regarding encroachment on state land. Official data indicates that 2,73,848 kanals and 12 marlas of land in Rajouri are under illegal occupation. Reasi follows with 2,26,857 kanals and six marlas, while Ramban accounts for 1,73,832 kanals. Jammu district recorded 1,45,487 kanals and six marlas, and Kathua accounted for 1,30,403 kanals and 1.5 marlas. Udhampur and Poonch have also crossed the one lakh kanal mark, with 1,19,822 kanals and eight marlas, and 1,11,133 kanals and 16 marlas, respectively.
Doda recorded 91,957 kanals and five marlas of encroached land, followed by Samba district, which accounted for 74,196 kanals and three marlas. Kishtwar recorded 52,513 kanals and 7.5 marlas. In the Kashmir division, Baramulla recorded the highest expunged encroached land at 81,327.65 kanals. Pulwama recorded 42,730.8 kanals of encroached land, followed by Anantnag with 36,984 kanals, Budgam with 21,775.55 kanals and Bandipora with 20,925.65 kanals.
Shopian recorded 19,034.85 kanals, Ganderbal 19,005.2 kanals, Kulgam 18,853.75 kanals and Srinagar 13,862.95 kanals of expunged encroachment entries. These figures were disclosed in response to a query seeking details of state and central governments, and JDA lands presently under encroachment and steps being taken to retrieve and regularize such land.
The data underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address land encroachment in Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities have expunged illegal records of land grabbers of state government land under encroachment in Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Doda, Baramulla, Samba, Kupwara, Kishtwar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Srinagar districts.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.