Justifies anti-encroachment drive - Political patronage cannot override Govt action: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri strongly supported the ongoing anti-encroachment and demolition drive across Jammu and Kashmir, saying the protection of Jammu’s “green lungs” is essential for future generations and cannot be compromised under any pressure. He said no one intending to encroach upon forest land, state land or Khad areas should be encouraged, particularly when issues of public safety and national security are involved.

Raman Suri said the recent action against illegal constructions near Mahamaya Temple, highway bridges and railway lines was necessary to safeguard forest land from large-scale encroachment. He asserted that forest land belongs to the people and must remain protected from illegal occupation and environmental destruction at all costs.

Highlighting the environmental impact, Suri said Jammu is already witnessing rapid urban expansion and shrinking green cover. “If strict action had not been initiated now, vast stretches of forest belts around Jammu city would have disappeared under illegal constructions. Forests are the green lungs of Jammu and are vital for ecological balance, clean air and groundwater recharge,” he said.

The BJP leader appreciated Vikram Randhawa for raising the issue at the appropriate time and bringing the matter into public and administrative focus before further damage could take place. He said timely intervention helped prevent deeper encroachment into protected forest zones around Jammu city.

Raman Suri also criticized certain self-styled leaders who, according to him, are trying to project themselves as “saviours” while indirectly supporting encroachers for political interests. He said these leaders are making statements against the system and administration but remain silent on rampant encroachment of forest land, state land and Khad areas.

He asserted that the law of the land does not permit illegal occupation of government or forest land and this principle will continue to prevail irrespective of political pressure or misleading narratives. “The government is already in possession of a long list of encroachers and the present action is only the beginning. Every individual involved in illegal occupation of protected land will eventually face the law,” Suri stated.

Calling for the anti-encroachment drive to continue in a transparent and non-political manner, Suri said accountability must also be fixed wherever negligence or collusion is found. He sought investigation into how illegal constructions were allowed to come up on forest land and whether any officials or departments facilitated them by providing civic or utility connections.

Urging citizens to cooperate with the administration in preserving forest areas and maintaining Jammu’s ecological heritage, Raman Suri said environmental protection and safeguarding public resources must remain a collective responsibility beyond politics. He cautioned those trying to justify encroachments, adding that government land cannot be allowed to be occupied illegally under any circumstances.