Over 1,100 residential, 231 commercial structures razed; no compensation proposed
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 1,425 unauthorized residential and commercial structures have been demolished across the Union Territory since October 2024 as part of ongoing anti-encroachment drives.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the government said that the demolitions included 1,194 residential and 231 commercial structures, with district-wise details placed on record before the House.
In Jammu district, 18 structures were demolished six by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), 12 by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), and one by the Revenue Department following orders issued by the Commissioner JMC, JDA and concerned Tehsildars.
Kathua reported seven demolitions, Udhampur three, while Ramban recorded 19 demolitions, most of them carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The highest number of demolitions was reported from Srinagar, where 632 structures were removed. Of these, 615 residential structures were demolished by the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), five by the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) and others by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). In the commercial category, 17 structures were demolished by LCMA, two by SDA and 100 by SMC.
Other districts also witnessed demolition action. Anantnag recorded 10 demolitions under the Pahalgam Development Authority, while Baramulla reported one demolition carried out on the directions of the Hon’ble High Court.Budgam saw two demolitions in Beerwah, Kupwara one, Shopian four, Ganderbal three, Bandipora two and Kulgam three demolitions, with actions taken by Urban Local Bodies, Revenue authorities and on court directions.
The government told the House that encroachments are being removed strictly in accordance with the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988, and other relevant laws. Unauthorized constructions, it said, are dealt with under the Control of Building Operations (COBO) Act, 1988, after following due procedure, including issuance of notices, verification by Revenue authorities, sealing and demolition.
Replying to concerns over how such constructions were allowed in the first place, the government maintained that no construction is permitted without approval, but violations occur in some cases due to legal interventions, lack of timely police assistance, or deviations from sanctioned building plans.
The House was also informed that the government has no proposal to provide compensation or free land to families affected by the demolition of unauthorized residential structures.(CNS)
