SVC pulls up JDA over land grabbing in Jammu

The State Vigilance Organisation today pulled up top Jammu Development Authority (JDA) officials over alleged encroachment of prime state land by some persons in connivance with the authority here.
"The SVO has directed JDA and other connected Departments for demarcation of the land allegedly encroached by some persons in connivance with JDA officials at Village Keran (Bantalab) in Jammu," a senior SVO official said.
"A complaint was lodged by inhabitants of Keran village here alleging that the JDA state land situated was encroached by some "greedy and selfish persons" who not only constructed shopping complexes but have also managed wrong entries in the Revenue records," the official said.

The land, bearing Khasra No 312 min and measuring about 29 Kanals 19 Marlas (over 3 Acres), was transferred to JDA for development purposes but owing to "non-seriousness and mismanagement" on the part of JDA, it remained vacant and unattended, he said.
The land grabbers have managed wrong entries in the Revenue records by greasing palms of Revenue authorities, he said further.
The Commission called for a report from Vice Chairman of Jammu Development Authority in light of the accusations, the officer said.

A report submitted by the Secretary of Jammu Development Authority to the Commission discloses that a good portion of land was transferred to JDA but at present some shopping complexes exist on the land.

In order to ascertain the factual position of the land, demarcation needs to be carried out by the Revenue authorities in consultation with JDA officials, he said.
The Commission also directed for submission of compliance report positively on February 11, failing which appropriate proceedings shall be initiated against defaulters, officer said.