SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 1,425 residential and commercial structures have been demolished across the Union Territory since October 2024.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the government placed district-wise details before the House, stating that 1,194 residential and 231 commercial structures were demolished during the period under review.
In Jammu district, 18 structures were demolished, including six by JMC, 12 by JDA and one by the Revenue Department, with demolition orders issued by the Commissioner JMC, Jammu Development Authority and concerned Tehsildars.
Kathua recorded seven demolitions, while Udhampur reported three and Ramban 19, with action in Ramban largely attributed to the National Highways Authority of India.
In Srinagar, a total of 632 structures were demolished, including 615 by LCMA, five by SDA and 394 by SMC in the residential category, along with 17 by LCMA, two by SDA and 100 by SMC in the commercial category.
The demolitions were carried out by agencies including the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, Srinagar Development Authority and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
Anantnag reported 10 demolitions under the Chief Executive Officer of Pahalgam Development Authority. Baramulla recorded one demolition under directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.
Budgam saw two demolitions by the Tehsildar Beerwah, while Kupwara and Shopian reported one and four demolitions respectively. In Kupwara and Bandipora, actions were taken by Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir.
Ganderbal reported three demolitions on the directions of the Hon’ble High Court, while Bandipora and Kulgam recorded two and three demolitions respectively.
The government stated that encroachments are regularly removed as per the provisions of the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988 and other relevant laws. It said unauthorized constructions are dealt with under provisions of the COBO Act, 1988, including issuance of notices, sealing and demolition drives, after providing adequate opportunity to violators.
Responding to a query on the reasons for permitting such constructions in the first place, the government said no construction is allowed without proper permission. However, it added that in some cases, due to legal intervention, lack of timely police assistance, or deviations from approved plans, violations occur as offenders proceed with raising additional construction.
On whether due procedure was followed in specific demolition cases, the government maintained that notices under relevant sections of the J&K Public Premises Act were issued and due process was adhered to before carrying out demolitions, including verification from concerned Revenue authorities.
The House was also informed that the government does not propose to provide compensation or free land to affected families for reconstruction of their residential houses. (KNC)
