- विज्ञापन -
Jammu: On November 22, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) announced that a demolition drive conducted on November 20 was aimed at removing encroachments in Lower Roop Nagar and other prime land areas to facilitate infrastructure projects and new housing developments. The 25 kanals of land in Lower Roop Nagar has been designated for the construction of 208 one-bedroom flats for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), which were previously under illegal occupation.
The JDA clarified that it discovered illegal occupants had been renting out kiosks and one-room tenements (Domes) on this land. Despite these structures being cleared for the EWS project, they were found to be occupied by individuals who had already been rehabilitated in other areas like Purkhoo, Muthi, and Jagti, and were charging rents to locals and outsiders.
The Authority followed the proper eviction procedures, issuing a notice under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988, on January 20, 2024. Shopkeepers were informed about the planned construction and requested to vacate. Some shopkeepers asked for a month to relocate their businesses, and a few have already submitted affidavits committing to vacate by February 5, 2024.
After allowing a 10-month notice period, the JDA proceeded with the demolition on November 20, 2024. All illegal occupants were informed of the eviction, and the JDA assisted in the removal of belongings from five or six shops, as most others were empty. The demolition targeted encroachers from various communities, including non-domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir, and was conducted without regard to caste or community affiliations.
The JDA emphasized its commitment to continuing such demolition efforts to free up land for government infrastructure and to support the needs of the public.
