Land Bank Initiative: A Step Towards Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation
The government’s initiative to create a land bank is a strategic move aimed at balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high level meeting to identify government-owned land parcels to facilitate infrastructure projects and compensatory afforestation, ensuring sustainable growth while complying with Supreme Court directives.
The Chief Secretary directed both the divisional and district administrations to identify all government owned land parcels within their jurisdictions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach towards land identification, ensuring that all such lands are properly classified based on their suitability for development purposes and other socio-economic welfare measures.
How the Land Bank Benefits the People
1. Boosting Infrastructure Development
One of the primary objectives of the land bank is to provide land for critical developmental projects such as highways, industrial zones, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. By systematically identifying government-owned land, projects can be implemented without unnecessary delays caused by land acquisition disputes. This results in:
- Faster urban and rural development
- Better connectivity and transportation infrastructure
- More industrial and economic hubs leading to job creation
2. Ensuring Environmental Protection through Compensatory Afforestation
The initiative aligns with the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, ensuring that whenever forest land is diverted for infrastructure projects, an equal amount of non-forest land is designated for afforestation. This guarantees that:
- There is no net loss of forest cover, preserving biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
- The environment remains protected while enabling infrastructure growth.
- Communities continue to benefit from clean air, improved groundwater levels, and climate resilience.
3. Enhancing Agricultural and Livelihood Opportunities
By categorizing land based on its suitability for various purposes, farmers and local communities can be assured that agricultural land remains protected. Additionally, afforestation programs create opportunities for local employment, including:
- Jobs in plantation and forest management
- Eco-tourism and conservation projects
- Agroforestry initiatives that supplement farmers’ income
4. Reducing Land Encroachment and Disputes
A structured land bank ensures that government lands are properly mapped, classified, and secured, reducing unauthorized encroachments. With GIS mapping and joint inspections by the Forest and Revenue Departments, land records become more transparent, minimizing conflicts and ensuring fair distribution for development and conservation efforts.
5. Compliance with Legal and Environmental Mandates
By following Supreme Court directives, the government is ensuring that infrastructure projects do not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The initiative reinforces sustainable development goals (SDGs) by maintaining ecological balance while improving the quality of life for citizens.
Current Progress and Future Scope
According to PCCF (HoFF) Suresh Kumar Gupta, 2,576 land parcels covering 553,263 kanal have been identified across Jammu & Kashmir for compensatory afforestation. Following joint inspections, 82 parcels measuring 14,797 kanal and 154 marla were found suitable for afforestation, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.
Moving forward, this initiative is expected to strengthen both economic growth and environmental conservation, proving that development and nature can coexist harmoniously. The government’s proactive approach in creating a well-structured land bank is a win-win situation for both people and the planet.
