Akhnoor Stone Crusher Scandal: Fraudulent CLU Approval Exposes Collusion and Corruption

Despite Demarcation Report, CLU Application Remains Active, Raising Concerns About Backroom Deals

•  A demarcation report has revealed that Kashmir Singh, the applicant for a stone crusher project in Garkhal Panchayat, is not in possession of the land (Khasra No. 277), despite his CLU application remaining active.
• The SDM and Tehsildar of Akhnoor have both confirmed that the land is currently in the possession of Parshotam Lal, not Kashmir Singh, raising questions about the validity of the land ownership records.
• Despite the land dispute and the site’s proximity to a main road and a forest area, the PWD, Forest Department, and Pollution Control Department have issued NOCs for the project, raising suspicions of collusion and corruption.
•  Residents of Garkhal Panchayat, who have been actively opposing the project, are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for the officials involved in the questionable approval process.

jj correspondent

Akhnoor, July 17: A proposed stone crusher project in Akhnoor’s Garkhal Panchayat has revealed a shocking tale of alleged collusion and corruption within various government departments. Despite a demarcation report confirming that the applicant for a Change in Land Use (CLU) is not in possession of the land, his application remains inexplicably active, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the approval process.
The controversy centers around CLU application No. 12693011202320779936, filed by Kashmir Singh, son of Late Kartar Singh, for the establishment of a stone crusher unit on Khasra No. 277, measuring 5 Kanals and 15 Marlas, in Garkhal village.
Following a complaint by concerned residents on April 22, 2024, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akhnoor, Lekh Raj, JKAS, ordered a demarcation of the land. In his report to the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, dated June 19, 2024 (No. SDM/AKH/24-25/614), the SDM confirmed that the land in question is actually in the possession of Parshotam Lal, son of Buta Ram, and not Kashmir Singh, the applicant. The report further states that Kashmir Singh has only constructed a temporary pathway on the land, which is situated alongside the main road leading to Pargwal.
The Tehsildar of Akhnoor, in his report to the SDM dated June 19, 2024 (No. Teh/Akh/OQ/2024-25/268), corroborated the SDM’s findings, stating that while land records show Kashmir Singh as the owner of Khasra No. 277 based on mutation No. 761 (Relinquishment Deed), the actual possession lies with Parshotam Lal.
Despite this clear evidence of discrepancy between ownership records and actual possession, Kashmir Singh’s CLU application has not been rejected. This raises serious questions about the motives behind this inaction.
Adding to the suspicions, the Public Works Department (PWD), the Forest Department, and the Pollution Control Department have all issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the project, despite the disputed land ownership and the site’s proximity to the main Pargwal road and a designated forest area (Khasra No. 275/1). This raises serious concerns about whether these NOCs were issued based on proper due diligence or through backroom dealings, potentially influenced by corrupt practices.
The residents of Garkhal Panchayat have been vehemently opposing the stone crusher project, citing its potential environmental impact, the threat to their livelihoods, and the violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. They allege that the land in question, previously categorized as “Gair Mumkin Darya” (riverbed land) before 1986, has been illegally reclassified to benefit the crusher owner.
This entire episode points to a deeply troubling pattern of corruption and collusion within various government departments. The fact that a CLU application is being processed despite clear evidence of fraudulent claims and the questionable issuance of NOCs suggests a deliberate attempt to circumvent the law and benefit vested interests.
The public demands a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter, holding accountable all officials involved in this illegal approval process. The government must address these concerns and ensure that development projects are not approved at the cost of the environment and the well-being of the community.