DC Bandipora reviews process of change in land use

Bandipora : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad on Thursday chaired a meeting of officers to review the process of change in land use in the district besides functioning and establishment of stone crushers in the district.
Threadbare discussion was held with regard to the process of change in land use especially from agricultural to non-agricultural activities in the district.
Dr Owais asked the Revenue department and other concerned officers to comprehensively evaluate and review the existing process of change in land use, in view of the changed legislative framework in J&K, after studying various models being followed by the most progressive states in the country.
It was directed that an upper ceiling on the quantum of agricultural land to be diverted to non-agricultural activities in individual cases should be duly assessed and prescribed in the guidelines in unambiguous terms to ensure holistic development without compromising on issues of environmental sustainability and food security.
Officers were asked to follow the detailed guidelines issued by the Government as per the latest provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act, in letter and spirit.
Dr Owais asked officers to hold wider discussions and consultations with all the stakeholders to develop a sustainable and people-friendly model of change in land use.
The officers also informed the meeting about the functioning of various stone crushers besides the establishment of others. DC asked them to strictly follow the guidelines and ensure no law is violated especially with regard to the environment and pollution clauses of the guidelines.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Parvaiz Rahim; Tehsildars and other District Officers.