Avinash Azad
In response to a question by MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, regarding the conversion of agricultural land for commercial and industrial purposes in Kathua, Jasrota, and Samba constituencies over the last two years, the government provided the following details:
Total agricultural land converted for industrial purposes
Kathua & Jasrota: 4,729 Kanal 19.33 Marla
Samba: 156 Kanal 07 Marla
Total agricultural land converted for commercial purposes
Kathua & Jasrota: 559 Kanal 17.18 Marla
Samba: 654 Kanal 10 Marla
On the issue of illegal occupation of state land by land mafia and other encroachers, particularly in Ghatti, Bhagthalli, Korepunnu, Samba, and newly designated industrial areas, the government revealed that:
Total state land under illegal encroachment: 17,27,241 Kanal 8 Marla
Land retrieved so far: 15,39,662 Kanal 15 Marla
Encroached land yet to be retrieved: 3,13,645 Kanal 12 Marla
The government informed that the eviction process has already been initiated under the rules. Regarding the tentative value of encroached land, the government stated it amounts to ₹18,049.6 crore.
When asked for district-wise details of state land allotted to private individuals, along with rates, purposes, and the designations of the allotting authorities over the past two years, the government clarified:
No state land has been transferred to private individuals for setting up industrial estates. However, based on indents placed by the Industries & Commerce Department, land measuring 12,260 Kanal 03 Marla has been transferred to the department across various districts over the last two years. Additionally, 129 Kanal of state land has been allotted to PMAY(G) beneficiaries on lease during the same period.
