Gaurav calls on CS Dulloo, discusses Gair Mumkin Khad issues affecting Jammu residents

STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, Gaurav Gupta, on Thursday met with the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Atal Dulloo and submitted a memorandum, urgently highlighting the persistent challenges faced by residents due to unresolved land disputes, particularly those related to the Gair Mumkin Khad areas.

In his memorandum, Gaurav Gupta acknowledged the commendable steps taken by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the J&K Administration, especially the successful resolution of land delineation matters in Kathua and Samba districts. However, he stressed that significant challenges remain, particularly in Jammu, where many cases related to Gair Mumkin Khad land are still unresolved.
Gaurav pointed out that nearly five months ago, the government had issued a directive instructing the Irrigation Department to assess and finalize the width of the Existing Khads, a measure aimed at clarifying land boundaries and preventing encroachment. Despite this clear directive, he noted that there has been little to no visible progress, attributing this to what he described as “a shocking level of apathy and inefficiency” within the department.
“This inaction is not only frustrating but deeply disappointing,” he stated. “The affected residents continue to suffer due to the Irrigation Department’s callous attitude and lack of accountability. This disregard for official orders indicates a troubling gap between policy decisions and their actual implementation, which is unacceptable.”
Gaurav further emphasized that the prolonged inaction is a matter of justice and economic security for the impacted families and communities. These land issues, he noted, go beyond technicalities, impacting the livelihood and stability of numerous residents. “This is not just an administrative lapse but a failure of duty that undermines public trust and threatens community welfare,” he asserted.
In his memorandum, Gupta appealed to the Chief Secretary to take immediate and decisive action to rectify the situation. He urged the issuance of a strict directive to the Irrigation Department, with clear consequences for continued inaction, to ensure that the department fulfills its responsibilities in a timely and accountable manner.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to Gaurav Gupta’s concerns and assured him that the administration is fully committed to addressing the issues raised. He assured to take swift action to hold the Irrigation Department accountable for its delays and to expedite the resolution of land disputes impacting residents.