Jammu, May 12 (KNC): Official data has revealed that more than 17 lakh kanals of state land are under encroachment across Jammu and Kashmir, with Jammu division accounting for over 14 lakh kanals while Kashmir division recorded over 3 lakh kanals.

According to figures placed in the public domain, nearly 17,27,247 kanals of encroached state land entries have been expunged from revenue records across the Union Territory. Jammu division alone accounted for around 14,00,051 kanals and five marlas of encroached land, whereas Kashmir division recorded nearly 3,27,199 kanals.

The data showed major regional disparities, with seven districts in Jammu division reporting over one lakh kanals of encroached land each. Rajouri district emerged as the worst affected district in Jammu and Kashmir with 2,73,848 kanals and 12 marlas of state land found under illegal occupation.

Reasi followed with 2,26,857 kanals and six marlas, while Ramban recorded 1,73,832 kanals of encroached land. Jammu district accounted for 1,45,487 kanals and six marlas, Kathua 1,30,403 kanals and 1.5 marlas, Udhampur 1,19,822 kanals and eight marlas, and Poonch 1,11,133 kanals and 16 marlas.

In Kashmir division, Baramulla recorded the highest encroachment figure with 81,327.65 kanals, followed by Kupwara with 52,698.1 kanals and Pulwama with 42,730.8 kanals. Anantnag recorded 36,984 kanals, Budgam 21,775.55 kanals, Bandipora 20,925.65 kanals, Shopian 19,034.85 kanals, Ganderbal 19,005.2 kanals, Kulgam 18,853.75 kanals and Srinagar 13,862.95 kanals.

The figures also highlighted a sharp contrast between the twin capital districts, with Jammu district recording over ten times more encroached state land than Srinagar.

The data was disclosed in response to a query seeking details regarding encroachment on state, central government and JDA lands, along with measures being taken to retrieve and regularise such properties.

Authorities stated that illegal entries related to encroached government land have been expunged from revenue records in multiple districts across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)