Jammu :The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) in coordination with the District Administration, reclaimed approximately four kanals of prime land opposite Mangal Market, behind Vaishnavi Dham, near Jammu Railway Station, in a major anti-encroachment operation on Wednesday. The land is estimated to be worth around ₹10 crore.
The JDA land had allegedly remained under unauthorised occupation for several years, with a number of dhabas and commercial establishments illegally operated without lawful authority by two individuals. The occupants had earlier approached the High Court seeking regularisation of their possession. Pursuant to the Court’s directions, the competent authority examined the matter and concluded that the occupation was unauthorised and impermissible under law, following which orders were issued for removal of the encroachments and restoration of the land to JDA.
During the operation, more than 30 unauthorised structures including dhabas and commercial units, were vacated and demolished. The encroachments had contributed to persistent traffic congestion in the Railway Station area due to heavy vehicular movement and roadside parking, frequently causing bottlenecks for commuters, pedestrians and railway passengers. Authorities had also repeatedly flagged unlawful activities around the encroached area that affected public safety, while food at the dhabas was being prepared in unhygienic conditions.
JDA Vice Chairman Dr Rupesh Kumar stated that public land is a public trust and must be safeguarded from illegal occupation, reiterating the Authority’s commitment to protecting public assets, planned development and firm action against encroachments affecting urban infrastructure.
JDA appealed to citizens to refrain from encroaching upon government land and to cooperate in preserving public property.
