Land Encroachment Crisis: Rajouri Tops List in Jammu and Kashmir

Over 17 lakh kanals of state land have been encroached by land mafia in Jammu and Kashmir, with significant disparities between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Rajouri district leads with the highest encroachment, highlighting the ongoing issues of illegal occupation of state lands.

In a startling revelation, over 17 lakh kanals of state land have been illegally occupied by land mafias in Jammu and Kashmir, according to official data. The Jammu division reported a staggering 14 lakh kanals under encroachment, more than triple compared to the Kashmir division.

Among all districts, Rajouri emerged as the hardest hit, with encroachments reaching 2.73 lakh kanals. The stark contrast between the divisions is further highlighted by the seven districts in Jammu recording more than one lakh kanals each, whereas the Kashmir division had significantly lower figures.

Efforts are underway to rectify revenue records and address the widespread encroachment. The authorities disclosed this information in response to a query about current encroachments and the ongoing efforts to retrieve and regularize state lands.