Deputy Commissioner Samba Issues Strict Guidelines to Curb Illegal Colonies and Land Conversion
Samba Times Special
Samba, January 4, 2025: In a decisive move to curb unplanned urbanization and unauthorized use of agricultural land, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Samba, has issued a comprehensive circular outlining strict measures to regulate land use and prevent the illegal development of colonies. This step comes in response to growing concerns over violations of zoning laws and misuse of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.
The circular, dated January 4, 2025, points to reports of rampant development of illegal colonies in the region. These colonies, often constructed without following due procedures or obtaining the requisite permissions, pose a serious threat to planned urban growth. The Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma, has warned that such activities not only violate the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act, 1970, but also compromise the provision of essential amenities such as road connectivity, water supply, drainage, sanitation, and other basic infrastructure.
Key Guidelines and Instructions
The administration has issued the following directives to ensure compliance with land-use regulations:
- Mandatory Change of Land Use Permissions:
Any conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes must be done in accordance with Section 133-A of the J&K Land Revenue Act, 1996, and relevant guidelines issued by the government.
The circular reiterates that approvals from the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), and other local development authorities are mandatory before initiating any such projects.
- Adherence to Master Plans:
The Jammu Master Plan 2032 and the development regulations under the Jammu Metropolitan Region Development Authority (JMRDA) must be followed.
Development of large land parcels exceeding 10 kanals or any project with a significant impact on traffic, urban mobility, or the environment requires prior approval from the JMRDA.
- Registration of Real Estate Projects:
All real estate projects must be registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA) as mandated by the Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
Promoters are barred from advertising, selling, or inviting buyers for any unregistered real estate projects.
- Vigilance Against Unauthorized Activities:
Revenue officials and field officers have been directed to monitor land records and prevent illegal soil classification changes under Section 133-BB of the J&K Land Revenue Act.
Any colony or development found operating without permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from competent authorities will face strict legal action.
Addressing Key Violations
The circular also highlighted recurring instances where field functionaries altered the classification of agricultural land in revenue records without proper authorization. Such practices, it warned, would no longer be tolerated.
To combat these challenges, the administration has called for coordinated efforts from revenue officials, municipal bodies, and development authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the rules.
Protecting Agricultural Land
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that agricultural land must not be converted or utilized for any other purpose without prior approval. Authorities are expected to ensure that such lands remain protected to preserve the region’s agrarian economy.
Public Awareness and Accountability
The circular has been widely circulated among divisional and district officers, including revenue officials, sub-registrars, and municipal authorities, for implementation. Public awareness campaigns will also be initiated to inform citizens about the regulations and encourage compliance.
A Step Towards Planned Urbanization
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to promoting planned and sustainable urban growth while safeguarding natural resources. By implementing these guidelines, the administration aims to strike a balance between urbanization and environmental conservation. But if it is implemented practically or remain in papers it is in the womb of time. But whatsoever be the case, the old idiom of Well begin is half done must be reminded before coming on any conclusion.
Conclusion
The district administration has urged residents, real estate promoters, and developers to adhere strictly to these rules and refrain from engaging in any unauthorized land use. By enforcing these measures, the Jammu and Kashmir government seeks to maintain the sanctity of land use laws and prevent the haphazard development that compromises the region’s ecological and infrastructural stability. Violators, including unauthorized developers, will face strict penalties, and any illegal colonies found will be dismantled.
Rahul Sambyal ✍️
Exe Editor
Samba Times
