Demolition – Over 1,400 Illegal Structures Cleared Across J&K
Demolition- The Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismantled more than 1,400 structures identified as unauthorized since the Omar Abdullah-led government assumed office in October 2024.
Government Details Demolition Figures in Assembly
In a written response presented in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that authorities have removed a total of 1,425 structures across the Union Territory. These included 1,194 residential houses and 231 commercial establishments categorized as illegal under existing regulations.
The figures indicate that Srinagar witnessed the highest number of demolitions. According to the statement, 1,133 structures were taken down in the city alone. Among them were 119 commercial units. The operations in Srinagar were conducted by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and the Srinagar Development Authority.
District-Wise Breakdown of Action
Jammu district recorded the second-highest number of demolitions, with 237 structures removed. Of these, 75 were commercial properties. The action in Jammu was carried out by the Jammu Development Authority, the Jammu Municipal Corporation, and local revenue officials.
Other districts reported comparatively smaller numbers. Ramban saw 19 demolitions, while Anantnag reported 10. Kathua recorded seven such actions and Shopian four. Three structures each were removed in Kulgam, Ganderbal, and Udhampur districts. Budgam witnessed two demolitions, and a single structure each was taken down in Baramulla and Kupwara.
The Chief Minister clarified that the enforcement drive was undertaken in accordance with the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988, which provides legal backing for the removal of encroachments from public land.
Journalist’s House Among Demolished Properties
Among the structures demolished last year was a house built on a three-marla plot in Jammu belonging to local journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing, who operates the digital news platform News Seher India. The demolition had sparked criticism from members of civil society and political observers, with concerns raised over the circumstances under which the action was carried out.
The issue had drawn attention when photographs and videos of the demolition circulated widely, prompting questions about due process. Responding to the controversy at the time, the Chief Minister publicly stated that the demolition was not ordered at his direction and that bulldozers were not deployed on his instructions.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary had also addressed the matter, saying that the Jammu Development Authority would need to clarify who authorized the demolition of the journalist’s residence.
Administration Emphasizes Legal Procedure
In his Assembly response, Omar Abdullah maintained that all demolitions were executed following established legal procedures. He reiterated that removal of encroachments is a routine administrative function and is carried out under the framework of existing laws governing public land.
Officials have indicated that enforcement actions are aimed at reclaiming public property and ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations. However, the demolitions, particularly in cases involving residential homes, have continued to generate debate within sections of the public.
The government has not announced any immediate changes to its policy on unauthorized constructions but has stressed that future actions will also be guided strictly by statutory provisions.
As the administration continues its land enforcement efforts, the focus remains on balancing regulatory compliance with public concerns surrounding transparency and due process.