Monika Sharma’s Report to SDM Dr. Deepak Kumar Triggers Initial Action on Khasra No. 2448, But Demolition Halts Amidst Protests; Wider Crackdown Promised Against Rampant Violations and Departmental Complicity
- A demolition drive on illegal shops built by Tarseem Lalon Custodian Land (Khasra No. 2448, Village Ranjan, Bhalwal) faced protests, leading to a recommendation for the structure’s notification as Custodian property after the Custodian Department could not fully demolish it.
- This action was initiated following a detailed report from Tehsildar Bhalwal Monika Sharma (JKAS)and direct orders from SDM Jammu North Dr. Deepak Kumar (JKAS), who vows to demolish “all illegal constructions” that violate CLU norms or are built commercially on agricultural land.
- SDM Dr. Deepak Kumarhas unequivocally declared that stern action will be taken against “any official whose tenure or supervision allowed these constructions to happen,” signaling a comprehensive crackdown on departmental involvement in illegal land use and a firm commitment to “spare no one.”
Jammu, March 02, 2026: In a significant development stemming from the J&K administration’s intensified drive against illegal constructions, a demolition operation targeting unauthorized shops built on Custodian Land in Village Ranjan, Bhalwal, today faced challenges, leading to a recommendation for the structure’s notification as Custodian property. This action, following a detailed report from Tehsildar Bhalwal Monika Sharma (JKAS) and direct orders from SDM Jammu North Dr. Deepak Kumar (JKAS), underscores the administration’s resolve even as it highlights resistance from violators and raises deeper questions about unchecked encroachments.
The demolition drive was specifically aimed at unauthorized shops constructed by Sh. Tarseem Lal, son of Girdhari Lal, on Khasra No. 2448 in Village Ranjan. This land, classified as Custodian property and originally allotted for agricultural purposes to Girdhari S/o Munshi, saw the blatant construction of five shops in direct violation of CLU (Change of Land Use) guidelines and building norms (Order No. 01-JK(BOR) dated 14-01-2022 and Govt. Order No. 11-RD&PR of 2022 dated 22-01-2022). The construction had proceeded despite repeated warnings to cease work immediately.
Today’s operation, conducted in the presence of officials from the Revenue and Custodian departments, initially aimed to dismantle the illegal structures. However, the demolition faced considerable resistance, with family members of the violators staging a protest at the site. While the situation was eventually handled appropriately, and the protest dispersed without any major untoward incident, the Custodian Department reportedly could not fully demolish the shops. Consequently, the case has now been recommended for the notification of the structure as Custodian property under the relevant provisions of law, indicating a shift in strategy to bring the encroached assets under direct state control.
This action was a direct consequence of the Tehsildar Bhalwal’s report (No. TB/OQ/2025-26/2022-23 dated 14-02-2026) to the SDM Jammu North, detailing the rampant violations. Subsequently, SDM Dr. Deepak Kumar (vide No. SDM/JN/Misc/25-26/3152-54 dated 24-02-2026) had directed the Tehsildar Bhalwal to initiate proceedings under Rule 156 of the J&K Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, for the demolition of the unauthorized structure and submit a compliance report. The SDM had also requested the DC Jammu to initiate cancellation of the allotment of this Custodian Land, which is liable to be escheated back to the state under Section 133-C(1) of the J&K Land Revenue Act, 1996.
Speaking to Jammu Jottings, SDM Dr. Deepak Kumar unequivocally declared a comprehensive crackdown. “All illegal constructions here — those without CLU approvals, without land use conversion permission, and built as commercial structures on agricultural land — will be demolished,” he affirmed. Emphasizing that today’s action was just the “first demolition,” the SDM stated that “all other illegal structures have been notified and will be demolished. There is no question of sparing anyone.” This uncompromising action directly echoes an earlier news story (February 5, 2026) regarding similar widespread violations along the Jammu-Akhnoor Highway near Doomi, involving Arjun Sharma.
SDM Dr. Deepak Kumar further issued a stern warning, stating that “from now on, if any person engages in illegal construction, strict action will be taken against them.” Crucially, he added a layer of accountability for departmental personnel: “Any officer whose tenure or supervision allowed these constructions to happen, or who was involved in any way, will also face action. No one will be spared.” This direct address to departmental complicity sends a clear message that the administration is now looking beyond just the immediate violators to systemic failures.
This ongoing drive, spearheaded by SDM Dr. Deepak Kumar and Tehsildar Monika Sharma, underscores the administration’s sustained resolve to combat illegal land use and protect state assets. However, the initial resistance faced during demolition and the subsequent recommendation for notification highlight the complexities and deep-rooted nature of these encroachments, demanding unwavering administrative determination to ensure full compliance and integrity of public land.
