JAMMU: The government today informed the House that 140 kanal and 11 marla of encroached land has been retrieved during 34 anti-encroachment drives carried out in Bahu and Jammu South Tehsils since January, 2025. Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo was replying to a question in the House on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, raised by Legislator Vikram Randhawa.

She added that fencing and installation of sign boards is also being done to prevent future encroachments and protect the already retrieved land from the encroachers. The Minister said that teams comprising the concerned JE, Patwari, I/C KWI regularly visit the areas within their jurisdictions and immediately report on any attempt to encroach JDA land.

Sharing details, the Minister informed that land measuring 688 kanal 17 marla in Tehsil Bahu and 579 kanal in Tehsil Jammu South are under illegal encroachment. She added that these encroachments are old and are being removed as per the provisions of J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988 and other relevant laws.

The Minister informed the House that the JDA has sufficient manpower and when required, JMC, Revenue Departments and local police extend full cooperation for eviction and encroachment drives.

She said that appropriate action like issuance of warnings, initiation of RDAs, red entries in Service books, suspensions, revoking of increments have been taken against the delinquent officers/officials of JDA found involved in illegal encroachments.. The Minister added that responsibility is fixed strictly in accordance with the law upon due verification while following the prescribed procedure.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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