Jammu, Apr 2: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday stated that over 16,000 kanals of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land are under illegal occupation, with eviction drives being conducted in a phased and time-bound manner.
Replying to BJP MLA Dr Narinder Singh Raina in the assembly, Abdullah said the JDA manages a total of 80,976 kanals and 10 marlas, of which 16,127 kanals and 10 marlas are encroached.
Encroachments are identified through field inspections and Revenue Department records. Eviction notices are issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, and drives are coordinated with district administration and police.
Abdullah noted that inspections are carried out regularly to prevent new encroachments, and evictions follow statutory procedures in a transparent and accountable manner.
Regarding the identity of encroachers—whether politicians, bureaucrats, private individuals, or organisations—he said the JDA maintains records on a land parcel-wise or location-wise basis and does not categorise by group. Actions are taken strictly according to legal provisions. (Agencies)
