Srinagar, May 22, 2026: In a significant push to resolve long-pending land-related issues, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a high-level meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted to examine matters concerning Gair Mumkin Khads across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, was attended by key members of the Sub-Committee — Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to submit the committee’s report in a time-bound manner. He emphasized the need to seek public suggestions before finalizing the recommendations. Choudhary instructed that a nodal officer from the Civil Secretariat be designated to facilitate easy submission of suggestions by the general public through designated offices.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra briefed the Sub-Committee on the current status of Gair Mumkin Khads and the ongoing segregation process.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary stressed the importance of pragmatic and people-centric decisions. He said policy interventions must strike a careful balance between environmental protection and safeguarding the livelihoods and property rights of citizens. He directed the constitution of a technical team for proper segregation of Khads and identification of chronic problem areas on priority.
Minister Javed Ahmad Rana highlighted the need for a balanced and environmentally sustainable approach, calling for coordinated efforts among departments to protect ecological interests while providing relief to affected people. Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar underlined the significance of transparency, public participation, and timely redressal of grievances.
The Sub-Committee discussed in detail the existing status of Gair Mumkin Khads, Daryas, and Nallahs, along with related public concerns, with the objective of providing relief wherever possible.
Background:
The issue of land recorded as “Gair Mumkin Khad” (uncultivable riverbed/ravine land) has remained unresolved for years, affecting lakhs of kanals of land and thousands of people across Jammu division in particular. Many such lands are no longer part of active water courses but continue to be classified as such in revenue records, restricting mutation, construction, and development activities.
This latest directive from the Deputy Chief Minister signals a renewed push by the J&K government to resolve the long-standing deadlock through scientific mapping, public consultation, and time-bound action.
The development is expected to bring major relief to affected landowners and boost development activities in several parts of the region.
