The government obtained the majority of State land in Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Pulwama, Srinagar and Anantnag
In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the home ministry stated that the government acquired more than 2,359 hectares of State land in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019–20 and 2021–22 (up until June).
As per the official statement, the land has been obtained for public purposes such as the building of roads, national railways, schools/colleges, playgrounds, parks, buildings, soil waste management, border fencing/border outposts, industrial estates, etc.
The government acquired the majority of State land at this time in the following districts: Udhampur (456 ha), Kathua (448 ha), Doda (171 ha), Pulwama (144 ha), Srinagar (142 ha), and Anantnag (114 ha).
Centre also acquired land for national projects
In response to a different question, MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai stated that between August 19, 2019 and July 13, 2022, the Central government and its agencies have obtained almost 332 hectares of land in J&K for projects like national highways etc.
While responding to a follow-up question about the unpaid compensation for land acquisition since August 2019, he stated that till July 13, 2022, a total of Rs 111 crore in compensation was still owed to landowners in Pulwama, Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Anantnag.
Land transferred under Roshni Act also retrieved
According to the MHA, a total of over 8565 hectares of state land were transferred under the Roshni Act, of which 1393 hectares had been retrieved after mutations attested in beneficiaries’ favour were revoked and entries in the Roshni Act’s database were made. The information was given after a question about land transferred by the J&K administration under the Act to individuals, institutions, aspiring entrepreneurs, promoters, etc. was asked.
The Supreme Court and J&K High Court have each received more than 70 petitions for reviews against the Act.
According to Rai, the J&K Government also filed a review case in the Hon’ble High Court of J&K, challenging the aforementioned ruling.
It is in place to mention here that the union territory authorities have been working proactively to stop illegal constructions on State land. In this connection, demolition drives are being regularly carried out throughout the Kashmir valley to free State land from private individuals.