1,425 ‘illegal’ structures demolished across J&K since Oct 2024: Govt

Srinagar, Feb 12: The government has demolished 1,425 residential and commercial structures across Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024, with Srinagar accounting for the highest share.
The government ruled out any proposal to provide compensation or free land to the affected families for reconstruction of their houses.
It also said that no construction is permitted without proper approval.
The government further said demolitions were carried out under the provisions of the J&K Public Premises Act, 1988 and other relevant laws. Authorities served notices under the relevant sections before taking action and followed due procedure, including verification from revenue authorities.
The figures revealed in response to queries of MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz’s query, the concerned minister said that, 1,194 residential and 231 commercial structures were demolished in different districts. “The demolitions were ordered by development authorities, municipal bodies, revenue officials and, in some cases, under court directions.”
Srinagar recorded the highest number of demolitions at 1,133 structures. This includes 615 residential structures demolished by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, 394 by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and five by the Srinagar Development Authority. In the commercial category, 100 structures were demolished by SMC, 17 by LCMA and two by SDA.
Similarly, Jammu district reported 237 demolitions. Of these, 162 residential and 75 commercial structures were demolished by the Jammu Development Authority. The Jammu Municipal Corporation demolished six residential and 12 commercial structures, while revenue authorities removed three structures.
Ramban saw 19 demolitions, including 15 commercial structures, carried out by the National Highways Authority of India. Kathua reported seven demolitions, Udhampur three and Ganderbal three.
Anantnag recorded 10 commercial demolitions by the Pahalgam Development Authority. Baramulla reported one demolition under directions from the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. Budgam reported two, Kupwara one and Bandipora two demolitions, largely by Urban Local Bodies and revenue officials. Shopian reported four demolitions and Kulgam three.
Responding to a specific query on the demolition of a house linked to journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing, the government said due procedure was followed. It said notices were issued under the relevant Act and that the demolition was carried out after verification from the concerned revenue authorities.
The reply also stated that Daing, in a written submission had claimed no connection with the land or property in question.
The government also informed the house that legal intervention, ‘lack of timely police assistance, deviation from approved plans and delays as factors that sometimes allow unauthorized construction to progress before action is taken.’ (KNO)