Kashmir, also known as “paradise on earth,” is a picturesque valley located in the northernmost part of India. With its snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, the valley is a major tourist destination. However, the valley has also been a site of political unrest and social turmoil, leading to a complicated history of land ownership and encroachment. In recent years, the issue of land encroachment has become a pressing concern, with the government launching a drive to remove illegal constructions and reclaim land that has been encroached upon. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the land encroaching drive in Kashmir and its impact on the valley and its people.
Land encroachment refers to the unauthorized occupation of land by individuals or organizations. In Kashmir, land encroachment has been a persistent problem, with many people illegally occupying land and constructing buildings without the necessary permits. The encroached land includes forest land, water bodies, and agricultural land, among others. The encroachers often use political influence and muscle power to take possession of the land, and the government's lax enforcement of the law has only worsened the situation.
The land encroachment drive in Kashmir was launched in 2016, with the aim of removing illegal constructions and reclaiming encroached land. The drive was part of the state government's efforts to curb corruption and bring about transparency in the administration. The government appointed a special task force to identify encroachments and carry out the removal of illegal structures. The task force was given a free hand to take action against the encroachers, regardless of their social or political standing.
The land encroachment drive has been met with mixed reactions from the local people. While some people have welcomed the drive, others have criticized it for being selective and biased. The local people argue that the drive is targeting only the poor and marginalized sections of society, while the influential and powerful encroachers continue to occupy the land without any action being taken against them. They also claim that the drive has led to the displacement of thousands of people, who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The land encroachment drive has also had a significant impact on the economy of the valley. The removal of illegal structures has disrupted many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. The tourist industry, which is a major source of income for the people of Kashmir, has also been affected. The drive has led to the closure of many hotels and tourist resorts, leading to a decline in tourist inflow to the valley. This has had a cascading effect on the local economy, with many people losing their jobs and livelihoods.
Another issue with the land encroachment drive is the lack of a comprehensive plan to deal with the problem. While the drive has been successful in removing illegal constructions, it has not addressed the root cause of the problem. The lack of affordable housing and the absence of a comprehensive land-use policy have led to the encroachment of land by people who have no other means of acquiring land. Unless these issues are addressed, the problem of land encroachment is likely to persist.
The land encroachment drive in Kashmir has also had an impact on the environment. The encroachment of forest land and water bodies has led to the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. The removal of illegal structures has also led to the felling of trees, leading to soil erosion and landslides. The valley, which is already vulnerable to natural disasters, is at an increased risk due to the destruction of its natural resources.
In conclusion, the land encroachment drive in Kashmir is a necessary step towards reclaiming the encroached land and removing illegal constructions. However, it must be carried out in a fair and transparent manner, without any discrimination. The government must also take steps to address the root cause of the problem, provide support to those who have been affected by the drive, and promote tourism in the valley. The land encroachment drive must also be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner to prevent the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity.
Post a Comment
0 Comments* Please Don't Spam Here. All the Comments are Reviewed by Admin.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
