28,311 kanals of Kahcharai land encroached in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 2 : At a time when purchasing a patch of land in densely populated Srinagar city has virtually become a distant dream, nearly 28,311 of Kahcharai land continues to be under illegal occupation of unscrupulous people in the summer capital.

 Officials admit that major chunk of the Kahcharai land has been encroached upon in Malroo, Shalteng and Lawaypora areas of the summer capital on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway.

 Though authorities have identified the encroachers, they have failed to retrieve the land from them raising question marks over Government seriousness over the serious issue.

 In a reply to a RTI filed by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat of Gopalpora Chadoora, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Srinagar admits that “tentatively an area of Kahcharai land measuring 28,311 kanals and three marlas is under illegal occupation in district Srinagar.”

 The ADC has also given a list of occupants of Kahcharai land in village Malroo, Shalteng and Lawaypora. But has not mentioned the measures taken to retrieve the occupied land.

 Pertinently a House Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, headed by NC legislator from Kupwara, Mir Saifullah has been mandated to ascertain the factual position regarding illegal encroachment of wetlands in Srinagar, Baramulla and Bandipore districts. Besides the Committee is also mandated to look into conversion of agricultural and Kahcharai land for residential purposes with particular reference to Shalteng and its adjoining areas within 10 kms radius.

 The Committee had directed the concerned officers to examine the revenue records of the area and identify illegal constructions on wetlands and state land from the concerned authorities.

 Sources said the Committee has come across harsh facts that huge chunk of the government land has been encroached in Srinagar and other parts of the held Kashmir. However it is yet to finalize its report and give recommendations.

 By virtue of The Jammu and Kashmir Kahcharai Act, 2011, Kahcharai means revenue derived or derivable from any duty, fee, tax, fine or penalty imposed, under the provisions of this Act or of other law for the time being in force, relating to the levy of grazing or browsing dues. The Act also empowers concerned officers to take action including imposition of fine against the offenders.
 However, in absence of any action, the Act is observed in breach. 
 The state government admitted in the recent Assembly session that 14 lakh kanals of state land has been encroached upon in held Jammu and Kashmir.

 “The government is mulling to amend the Land Encroachment Act to prevent illegal possession of land,” Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla had stated in the Assembly.

 Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Baseer Ahmad Khan said action against the encroachers would be taken soon.

 “We have identified the Kahcharai land occupied illegally in Srinagar and are taking steps to retrieve it,” the DC told Greater Kashmir.

Ends
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