The Enforcement Wing of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) headed by Director Land Management has once again come under a cloud, with serious allegations surfacing over the alleged patronage of illegal commercial constructions in Nagrota, Jagti and adjoining areas, raising questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the authority’s enforcement mechanism.
The latest controversy centres around a commercial complex adjoining J&K Bank at Kondli, Nagrota, which, according to local residents, was sealed by the JDA during the shuttering stage in 2025. Despite the sealing order, the structure has allegedly been completed with slab work, plastering and installation of iron rolling shutters.
Residents have alleged that while minor residential construction invite swift action, large-scale commercial constructions continue unabated despite repeated complaints and documented violations of building bye-laws.
“If a building sealed by the JDA could be completed without any obstruction, it raises serious questions over the functioning of the entire Enforcement Wing,” alleged a group of residents while sharing photographs of the structure.
Residents have also pointed to several fresh commercial constructions coming up in Nagrota Bazaar, alleging that despite regular field visits by the enforcement staff, no preventive action was initiated when the violations first surfaced.
“This cannot happen without official patronage. Had these constructions not enjoyed protection, action would have been taken at the very inception,” alleged a resident of Nagrota, maintaining anonymity.
Similar allegations have emerged from Panjgrain, where locals have shared photographs of an under-construction commercial complex adjoining Meenjra Hotel and Restaurant.
The allegations have revived questions over earlier enforcement failures. Residents recalled that nearly two years ago a commercial building in Nagrota Bazaar was sealed for allegedly raising unauthorised first and second floors. Although the then Enforcement Inspector reportedly submitted a demolition proposal to the competent authority, no final action has been taken till date.
Sources within the JDA alleged that a similar pattern has emerged in Jagti, where several commercial buildings were allegedly constructed in past 3 years without obtaining mandatory building permission and Change of Land Use (CLU).
According to reliable sources, files relating to these illegally raised commercial buildings have remained pending at different levels of the Enforcement Wing for prolonged periods, effectively preventing demolition proceedings.
Calling the situation a case warranting independent investigation, a senior JDA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “When the Authority can demolish an unauthorised residential room within days, there is no justification for allowing illegal commercial complexes to flourish for months or years.”
Insiders in JDA pointed that the prolonged inaction has not only encouraged unauthorised construction but has also resulted in substantial loss of government revenue in the shape of non-payment of building permission fees and CLU charges.
Several residents demanded that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) examine all files relating to illegal commercial constructions in Nagrota, Jagti and Panjgrain to ascertain whether there was any dereliction of duty or abuse of official position.
Responding to queries, Khilafwarzi Inspector Surjeet Singh said the report recommending further action against the commercial complex that continued construction despite being sealed had long ago been submitted to the concerned Naib Tehsildar, Kasturi Lal, for necessary action.
However, when asked about the ongoing commercial constructions in Nagrota Bazaar and Jagti, the official did not specify any action initiated by the department.
Repeated attempts by JK Global News to obtain the response of Director Land Management Garib Rasheed, Tehsildar Rashi Dutta and Naib Tehsildar Kasturi Lal proved unsuccessful as they did not respond to phone calls.