Jammu and Kashmir Owns 114 Kanals of Land in Delhi

PK DeskNovember 27, 2023Last Updated: November 27, 2023

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Jammu and Kashmir Owns 114 Kanals of Land in Delhi

Former Minister and National Conference Additional General Secretary, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, raised concerns on Monday about the rationale behind the Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approving Rs 26 Crore for the acquisition of land to construct an additional building for Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi.

This decision comes despite the fact that the UT Administration already possesses approximately 114 Kanal of prime land at Rajaji Marg in the National Capital, a substantial portion of which is currently occupied by the Army, Sadhotra stated.

Sadhotra remarked in a statement, “It would have been prudent for the J&K Administration to reclaim the prime Rajaji Marg land from the Army, especially considering the unique opportunity provided by the so-called double-engine government in place.”

He added, “The Lieutenant Governor should have engaged with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to address the issue, instead of exerting additional financial strain on the state exchequer.”

Expressing optimism, Sadhotra urged the LG’s Administration to reconsider the decision and focus on securing the substantial portion of 97 kanals out of the total 114 kanal land currently under Army occupation. This move is seen as essential for the development of an impressive Jammu and Kashmir House, taking into account the growing requirements of the downgraded state.

Referring to the written reply by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, with the BJP as a coalition partner, on June 2, 2016, Sadhotra emphasized that the government-owned property comprises 14.32 Acres (114K-11.2M) of land with a built-up area known as Kashmir House in New Delhi.

He highlighted, “A significant part of the land is under the control of the Ministry of Defence, with only 17.4 kanals of land, housing 75 staff quarters, currently in possession of the Jammu and Kashmir government.”

Sadhotra also recalled the efforts of the House Committee of J&K Legislative Council during their visit to Rajaji Marg and 5-Prithvi Raj Road on July 22, 2013. The Committee made observations and directed officers to devise a comprehensive plan for optimal use of the available land with the Government. They suggested that Delhi, being the capital, should have state offices and residential accommodations in line with metropolitan city norms.

Against this backdrop, Sadhotra urged the LG Administration to take a decisive stance, engage with the Union Ministry of Defence, and work towards a resolution. This, he believes, will create suitable accommodations for visitors from Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi, ultimately saving the State Exchequer.