“Illegal encroachments on forest land, state land, and green-belt zones in Srinagar and Jammu has evolved from an occasional issue into a major, widespread structural challenge.
The unchecked violation of construction norms whether for civilian homes or commercial establishments has long remained an uncomfortable truth in Jammu & Kashmir. What began decades ago as sporadic encroachment has now grown into a structural challenge, visible not only in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu but also in major towns, semi-urban pockets, and even some of the most remote rural belts of both divisions. Over the years, allegations have multiplied: residential houses standing on forest land, business units raised on state land, and entire colonies emerging on green-belt zones. Disturbingly, this pattern has been reported from the plains of Jammu city to the hilly terrains of multiple districts across the Jammu division. When authorities finally attempt to reclaim forest land, state land, or ecologically sensitive green-belt areas, they are immediately confronted with massive public outcry. Demolitions however legally justified are emotionally and socially explosive. Families that have lived in these houses for decades, and shopkeepers whose livelihoods depend on these structures, protest fiercely, forcing the government machinery to abruptly halt or postpone eviction drives. The question that then looms large is: who allowed these constructions to come up in the first place? The lapse is not merely administrative it is deeply systemic. The inaction and silence of several decades have now snowballed into a crisis of confidence, triggering a serious debate on the government’s accountability and transparency. Recent speculations about the demolition of shops and commercial structures in parts of Srinagar has generated palpable anxiety. Many of these establishments were built decades ago, some with approvals from bodies such as the Srinagar Development Authority or the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and others without clear documentation.
“A comprehensive, legally sound land-use framework is essential for resolving the crisis of illegal structures. Simply stopping demolitions is a temporary fix. The sustainable solution for homes and businesses built decades ago lies in a transparent, fair, and humane regularisation policy. The challenge for Jammu & Kashmir is to enforce the law with compassion, clarity, and accountability to restore order without causing further social harm.”
Regardless of their legality, it is evident that razing such structures today would disrupt the lives of hundreds of families. No elected government past or present, including the current administration led by Omar Abdullah would willingly undertake mass demolition drives that risk alienating ordinary citizens. In matters of land, livelihood, and housing, public consent and community engagement matter as much as administrative approval. Any credible demolition exercise must be preceded by dialogue with stakeholders, thorough verification of land records, and transparent communication. Wisdom demands that before demolitions are proposed or initiated, authorities must bring local communities, experts, and civil society onto a common platform. Land-use policy, not ad-hoc demolition orders, should guide the government’s response. A well-defined, legally sound, and socially considerate land-use framework can help determine which structures must be removed, which can be regularised, and how future violations can be prevented. Simply suspending demolition drives offers only temporary relief; it neither resolves the crisis nor builds public trust. For many families who built their homes or businesses decades ago often without malicious intent the only sustainable solution lies in a transparent, fair, and humane regularisation policy. The challenge before Jammu & Kashmir is not merely to enforce the law, but to do so with compassion, clarity, and accountability. Only then can order be restored without deepening social wounds.
