Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, Feb 12, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that as many as 1,425 residential and commercial structures have been demolished across the Union Territory since October 2024, asserting that all actions were taken strictly in accordance with existing laws.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the government placed district-wise details before the House, stating that 1,194 residential and 231 commercial structures were demolished during the period under review.
In Jammu district, 18 structures were demolished, including six by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), 12 by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and one by the Revenue Department. Demolition orders were issued by the Commissioner JMC, JDA authorities and concerned Tehsildars.
Kathua recorded seven demolitions, Udhampur three and Ramban 19, with most of the action in Ramban attributed to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Srinagar recorded the highest number of demolitions at 632 structures. The demolitions were carried out by agencies including the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) as part of drives against encroachments and unauthorized constructions.
Anantnag reported 10 demolitions under the Chief Executive Officer of the Pahalgam Development Authority, while Baramulla recorded one demolition carried out under the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.
Budgam saw two demolitions by the Tehsildar Beerwah. Kupwara and Shopian reported one and four demolitions respectively, while Ganderbal reported three demolitions on the directions of the Hon’ble High Court. Bandipora and Kulgam recorded two and three demolitions respectively.
The government stated that encroachments are removed under the provisions of the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988 and other relevant laws. It added that unauthorized constructions are dealt with under the provisions of the Control of Building Operations (COBO) Act, 1988, which include issuance of notices, sealing of premises and demolition after providing adequate opportunity to the violators.
Responding to concerns about how such constructions were allowed initially, the government maintained that no construction is permitted without proper authorization. However, it noted that in some cases violations occur due to legal interventions, delays in securing police assistance, or deviations from approved building plans.
The Assembly was further informed that there is no proposal under consideration to provide compensation or free land to affected families for reconstruction of their demolished residential houses.
