JDA Takes Decisive Action Against Paloura Land Grabbers, Demolishes Illegal Structures

After Discrepancies in Land Records Were Revealed: JDA Reclaims Encroached Land in Paloura Following Joint Demarcation Report

•  A joint demarcation process revealed discrepancies in land records, confirming encroachment on JDA property in Paloura.
•  Following the report, the JDA launched a demolition drive, dismantling illegal structures built on the encroached land and takes possession of the encroached land.
•  The JDA has successfully reclaimed the encroached land, restoring it to public ownership.
•  Concerns linger regarding the JDA’s ability to prevent future encroachments and the potential involvement of JDA officials in the initial land grab.

jj correspondent

Jammu, April, 23: Following persistent exposure by Jammu Jottings highlighting the rampant encroachment on JDA land in Paloura, the Jammu Development Authority has finally took a decisive action. Armed with a Joint Demarcation Report and spurred by public pressure, the JDA launched a demolition drive to reclaim its illegally occupied land.
The issue first came to light through Jammu Jottings’ reports in February 2024, which revealed that over 100 Kanals of JDA land had been encroached upon by land grabbers, despite repeated warnings and attempts by the JDA to reclaim its property. The reports also raised concerns about potential collusion between certain JDA officials and the encroachers.
Responding to the mounting pressure, the JDA Tehsildar initiated a land retrieval drive in January 2024, erecting signboards declaring the land as JDA property. However, these efforts proved futile as the land grabbers continued their illegal activities, even going so far as to erect a boundary wall on the disputed land under the cover of darkness in March 2024.
Jammu Jottings continued to track the developments, keeping the issue in the public eye and demanding accountability from the JDA. This sustained pressure ultimately led the JDA Tehsildar to request a joint demarcation of the disputed land from Tehsildar Jammu (North) vide letter No. JDA/The-A/1781-86 dated March 23, 2024. The demarcation, conducted on March 27, 2024, confirmed the encroachment and revealed discrepancies in the Khasra number of the land, further strengthening the JDA’s case.
Based on the findings of the joint demarcation, Tehsildar Jammu (North) issued a report (No. TJN/O0/24-25/47 dated April 15, 2024) which served as the final push for the JDA to take concrete action. Equipped with this crucial evidence and fuelled by the public outcry generated by Jammu Jottings’ reports, the JDA initiated a demolition drive, dismantling the illegal structures erected on the site and reclaiming possession of its land.
This victory against the land grabbers is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and its ability to hold authorities accountable. Jammu Jottings’ relentless pursuit of the Paloura land grab issue played a pivotal role in bringing justice and ensuring that public land is not exploited for personal gain.
While the JDA’s action is commendable, it remains to be seen if they can maintain control over the land and prevent future encroachments. Additionally, the alleged involvement of a JDA employee in the scandal necessitates a thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure transparency and accountability within the organization.