Land encroachment in Chowadhi!

PWD constructs road on retrieved ‘State Land’, despite official reservations

RC Sharma Chanakya

Jammu, Nov 17:
In a shocking case of alleged land encroachment, structures have been raised, and a road has been constructed over retrieved state land in the Chowadhi area. The Public Works Department (PWD) is at the center of this controversy, having reportedly constructed a pakka road despite clear reservations and official directives to prevent any form of trespassing on this reclaimed land.

The dispute came to light following a meeting held on October 11, 2021, chaired by the Commissioner/Secretary of the General Administrative Department, where crucial decisions and revelations were made. During the meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Jammu presented a detailed account of the situation, highlighting that state land, measuring 22 Kanal and 4 Marlas (Khasra Nos. 486 and 487) and 7 Kanal 10 Marlas (Khasra No. 96) in village Chowadhi, had been retrieved by the revenue authorities of Tehsil Bahu.

The ADC further explained that a 2 Kanal portion of this reclaimed land had already been officially transferred to the Power Development Department (PDD) for constructing a receiving station in Greater Kailash, Chowadhi. Despite efforts to secure the remaining land, including installing signage to mark it as “State Land” and submitting compliance reports to the Hon’ble High Court, troubling developments have occurred.

The meeting revealed that, although most of the reclaimed land remains vacant, unauthorized structures have been built, and, notably, a road passes through the retrieved property. The construction is a direct violation of the prior decisions taken during the high-level meeting, which emphasized the prevention of any unauthorized activity on the land in question.

The ADC Jammu underscored that the necessary corrections in revenue records have been made, and measures were taken to prevent further encroachment. Local authorities, including the police and Tehsildar, have been directed to maintain a strict vigil over the area until permanent fencing is completed. Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu has reportedly taken up the matter with the PWD, emphasizing the urgent need for fencing to secure the land.

Despite these efforts, the PWD’s road construction stands as an act of negligence, if not outright defiance. Reports suggest that PWD officials were fully aware of the restrictions and the ongoing efforts to safeguard the land from any form of trespassing or development. Yet, the road project was completed, raising questions about whether there were lapses or willful disregard for legal directives.

This incident has sparked outrage among those who see it as a stark example of administrative failure and the audacity of encroachers. The community and stakeholders are demanding accountability from the PWD and urgent action from authorities to rectify this egregious violation.

What will it take for the authorities to enforce their own rules and protect state land from encroachment? With these developments, the integrity of the land retrieval efforts in Jammu hangs in the balance, and many are watching closely to see how this blatant defiance will be addressed.

When I spoke with the concerned Executive Engineer of PWD about the issue, he explained that some residents from the area had approached the department in the form of a deputation, requesting the construction of a road that already existed. He stated that the department constructed the road legally and was not aware of any controversy surrounding it. He further mentioned that if higher authorities issue any directions, the road will be removed without delay.