J&K Adm Conducts Anti-Encroachment Drive In Udhampur

UDHAMPUR, May 26: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday carried out an anti-encroachment drive along Dhar Road near Mian Bagh, close to the Air Force Road in Udhampur district, demolishing illegally erected roadside structures.

During the operation, several temporary tin sheds allegedly constructed on state land for roadside business activities were dismantled by the authorities.

Naib Tehsildar Roun Maroof Khan said the issue had persisted for a long time and multiple complaints had been received by the administration regarding the encroachments.

“This issue was ongoing for a long time. Many people were filing complaints in the DC office and to the tehsildar that several people had set up temporary sheds on state land. This is a highway, and gatherings in the evening posed a risk of accidents,” Khan said.

He said the area was sensitive due to the presence of Air Force establishments and movement of security forces.

“Recently, on the request of the Air Force and the Police, it was brought to our notice that out of seven sheds, two had CCTV cameras installed facing the road. This is a sensitive area where Air Force stations and other security establishments are located,” he said.

According to the official, notices had been issued before the action. Five of the seven shed owners removed their structures voluntarily, while the remaining two were demolished by the administration.

Meanwhile, in a separate action on May 23, the district administration in Jammu carried out a demolition drive against properties allegedly linked to drug smugglers in the Miran Sahib area as part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics-related activities. (Agencies)