Conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes is rising at alarming rate despite repeated orders. In various parts of Jammu and Kashmir officials of the agriculture department could not be successful in stopping the conversion of agricultural land into commercial and residential purposes.
A resident of Bemina- Srinagar, Mohammad Ramzan alleged that they have been facing this problem for many years. “Converting agricultural land for commercial purposes is rapidly increasing in Jammu and Kashmir and the officials are not even bothered to look into the matter” he said.
Further he said that J&K Land Revenue Act 1996 holds a provision that conversion of paddy or vegetable land into any other use is forbidden.
As per reports, the main source of income for people is agriculture land as they belong to an agrarian society. Officials of the revenue department should put restrictions on such practice. The practice has been going on for many years and it is raising an alarm that in future Kashmir shall be without food if the practice continues.
Nisar Ahmad from Singhpora Pattan said that how the permission is granted to people for constructing buildings, commercial complexes or other structures on the agricultural lands?
Locals from the Singhpora area said that the High Court directed the authorities to ensure that no conversion of agricultural land is allowed for commercial, residential and industrial purposes, but all goes in vain.
It is pertinent to mention that agriculture is the prime source of Jammu and Kashmir as around 70-80 percent of the population is involved directly or indirectly with it.
