BJP MLA R.S. Pathania Questions Delay in Implementation of Gair Mumkin Khads Policy
Alleges Administrative Inaction Despite Approval from Lt Governor-Led Council; Calls for CM Omar Abdullah’s Intervention
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh March 20,2025 ||
Jammu : The issue of Gair Mumkin Khads once again took center stage in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today, as BJP MLA R.S. Pathania raised serious concerns over the delay in implementing the policy approved by the Administrative Council (AC), which is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Pathania criticized the revenue department for failing to act despite clear directions from the Administrative Council, which had given a nod to the policy aimed at resolving land classification issues. He alleged that despite multiple deliberations and consultations, the government was dragging its feet on the matter.
Policy Approved, Yet No Action?
Pathania’s primary contention was that the Administrative Council’s decision had already empowered Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Divisional Commissioners to proceed as per the policy framework. However, despite this, implementation on the ground has not begun, leaving many affected landowners in limbo.
“If the Administrative Council, headed by the Lieutenant Governor, has already cleared the way, then why is the revenue department not moving forward? Is the AC’s decision just an eyewash?” Pathania questioned in the assembly.
He further hinted at a lack of political will or administrative inefficiency, demanding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the revenue portfolio, clarify his stance.
“The Revenue Department is under the CM. Will Omar Abdullah ensure justice, or will this issue continue to linger due to political and bureaucratic inertia?” he asked.
The Gair Mumkin Khads Issue: Background & Controversy
The issue of Gair Mumkin Khads has been a long-standing one in Jammu and Kashmir. These lands, classified as unsuitable for construction or agriculture due to their association with seasonal water channels, have been a major source of litigation and conflict, particularly for landowners who claim that much of the recorded land does not actually function as a watercourse.
In response to growing demands, the Administrative Council had in 2022 approved a framework to review and reclassify such lands, enabling their use for industrial and urban development under strict environmental safeguards. However, the lack of implementation has raised concerns among affected parties.
Key Features of the Approved Policy
1. Decentralized Decision-Making:
• Deputy Commissioners can delineate state land and approve up to 200 kanals of private land per Khasra.
• Divisional Commissioners can handle cases involving 200–500 kanals.
• A UT-Level Committee is responsible for proposals exceeding 500 kanals.
2. Use of Technology:
• Digital Elevation Models (DEM), Digital Terrain Models (DTM), and Hydrological Modelling are to be used for accurate classification.
3. Expected Benefits:
• Industrial Expansion by unlocking land for factories and businesses.
• Urban Development to support planned townships and housing projects.
• Environmental Safeguards to ensure natural watercourses remain protected.
Political Implications & Growing Pressure on CM Omar Abdullah:
Pathania’s speech signals growing frustration within political circles and among affected landowners. With Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directly in charge of the Revenue Department, the pressure is now on him to act.
If the delay continues, the opposition is likely to escalate protests and accuse the government of stalling reforms that could boost economic growth and land utilization.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Omar Abdullah-led administration takes swift action or whether the issue continues to be a political flashpoint.
