Illegal Occupation of Custodian Land in Kashmir Division: Government Report

The Jammu and Kashmir Government recently revealed to the Legislative Assembly that a significant portion of custodian land in the Kashmir division is currently either under illegal occupation or entangled in litigation. According to the Revenue Department’s data, a total of 3,982 kanals and 1.5 marlas of evacuee property are affected by this issue.

In response to a query raised by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat, it was disclosed that the overall notified evacuee land in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions amounts to 1,44,932 kanals and 6 marlas. Specifically in the Kashmir division, the total evacuee land spans 55,960 kanals and 15.25 marlas. Out of this, the aforementioned 3,982 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 square feet are currently under unauthorized occupation or facing legal disputes.

The government assured that the Evacuee Property Department has taken proactive measures in line with the Jammu and Kashmir Evacuee (Administration of Property) Act, 2006, and related regulations to address this issue effectively. Over the past few years, substantial progress has been made in reclaiming evacuee land in the Kashmir division. A notable achievement includes the recovery of 2,441 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 square feet through eviction of illegal occupants and annulment of unlawful leases or allotments.

However, it was acknowledged that certain portions of evacuee land are still embroiled in legal proceedings. The government emphasized its commitment to continue the retrieval process strictly adhering to the legal framework in place.