A recent Right to Information (RTI) revelation has exposed a staggering land encroachment issue in Jammu and Kashmir. According to information obtained through an RTI application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Sharma, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has officially admitted that over 16,000 Kanals of its land are under illegal occupation by private parties and land mafias. This accounts for more than 20% of JDA’s total land holdings, raising serious concerns about governance and property management.
Extent of Encroachment on JDA Land
In response to the RTI query, Vishavjeet Singh, the Secretary and Public Information Officer (PIO) of JDA, disclosed the exact figures related to land encroachment. Out of JDA’s total land holdings of 80,976 Kanals and 10 Marlas, 16,467 Kanals and 10 Marlas have been unlawfully occupied by encroachers. Currently, JDA has possession of only 65,508 Kanals, confirming that 20.34% of its land is under illegal possession.
Land Distribution in Jammu and Samba Districts
The RTI response further revealed the geographical distribution of JDA-owned land:
- Jammu District: 68,992 Kanals and 11 Marlas
- Samba District: 11,983 Kanals and 19 Marlas
Despite the vast landholdings, a significant portion remains under illegal encroachment, causing legal and administrative challenges for the authorities.
Read also: Know How to File an RTI Application Online in Jammu & Kashmir: A Step-by-Step Guide
JDA’s Lack of Clarity on Land Retrieval Efforts
Contrary to the claims made by the J&K government and JDA officials about their anti-encroachment drives, the RTI response failed to provide crucial details regarding the total land retrieved from illegal possession between 2015 and 2025. Shockingly, the JDA’s reply stated: “Record Not Available.” This raises questions about the transparency and effectiveness of land recovery efforts over the past decade.
Legal Cases Pending Against JDA
The RTI query also sought information regarding the number of legal cases filed against JDA in different courts. The response confirmed a staggering 635 legal cases currently pending, distributed as follows:
- Subordinate Courts: 212 cases
- J&K High Court: 422 cases
- Supreme Court of India: 1 case
The high volume of litigation further complicates JDA’s efforts to reclaim its land and manage its assets efficiently.
Activist Calls for Government Intervention
Expressing deep concern over the massive illegal occupation of JDA land, RTI activist Raman Sharma urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement measures to reclaim the encroached land, which is worth billions of rupees.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate records and making information about land retrieval publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration.
The shocking RTI disclosure regarding JDA’s encroached land highlights the urgent need for government intervention. With over 16,000 Kanals of land illegally occupied, authorities must take immediate steps to reclaim public property and restore transparency. Without strong legal action and efficient record-keeping, such encroachments may continue, jeopardizing the region’s urban development and governance.
As citizens, staying informed and holding authorities accountable is essential to ensuring fair land distribution and efficient management in Jammu and Kashmir.
