Security-Authorities Remove Illegal Roadside Structures Near Udhampur Air Force Zone
Security- The administration in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district carried out an anti-encroachment operation along Dhar Road near Mian Bagh, close to the Air Force Road area, where several unauthorized roadside structures had reportedly occupied government land for an extended period.
Administration Acts on Long-Pending Complaints
Officials said the drive was launched after repeated complaints were submitted to local authorities regarding temporary tin sheds being used for commercial activities beside the highway. According to revenue officials, the structures had become a growing concern for residents as well as authorities due to increasing traffic movement in the area.
Naib Tehsildar Roun Maroof Khan stated that the issue had remained unresolved for a long time despite several warnings. Residents and commuters had reportedly raised concerns with the district administration and tehsildar office, highlighting the risks caused by gatherings near the roadside during evening hours.
Authorities noted that the encroachments were creating congestion along the highway stretch, increasing the possibility of road accidents and affecting smooth traffic movement.
Five Structures Removed Voluntarily
During the operation, officials identified a total of seven temporary sheds built on state land. Out of these, five were reportedly dismantled voluntarily by their owners after notices were issued by the administration.
The remaining two structures were demolished by officials during the anti-encroachment drive. Heavy machinery and administrative teams were deployed at the site to ensure the operation was completed without disruption.
Local authorities maintained that prior notices had been served before the demolition process began, giving occupants sufficient time to remove their belongings and vacate the area.
Security Concerns Prompt Immediate Action
Officials also highlighted security-related concerns linked to the encroachments because the area is located near important defence establishments. According to the administration, inputs from the Air Force and police departments played a major role in accelerating the action against the structures.
Authorities stated that two of the sheds allegedly had CCTV cameras installed facing the road, raising concerns due to the movement of defence and security personnel in the region. Since the area falls near Air Force facilities and other sensitive establishments, officials considered the matter serious from a security perspective.
The administration said the operation was conducted in coordination with security agencies to prevent any potential risks and ensure that public land near strategic locations remains free from unauthorized occupation.
Similar Crackdown Conducted in Jammu District
In another recent enforcement action, the Jammu district administration launched a demolition drive on May 23 in the Miran Sahib area against properties allegedly associated with drug smuggling activities.
During that operation, bulldozers were used to remove suspected illegal constructions while police personnel and civil administration officials remained deployed in large numbers to maintain order at the site.
The administration has intensified action against unauthorized constructions and illegal activities in several parts of the Union Territory in recent weeks. Officials said such drives are being conducted to improve public safety, maintain law and order, and protect government land from illegal occupation.