District Administration Jammu Demolishes Eight Illegal Structures in Narwal Bala
DEc 14, Jammu:
In a strong move against land encroachment and illegal activities, the District Administration Jammu, acting on the directions of District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Joginder Singh, demolished eight illegal structures in Narwal Bala area of Tehsil Bahu on Saturday.
The demolition drive was carried out as part of the administration’s sustained campaign to curb land grabbing, unauthorised constructions, and properties allegedly linked to offenders under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials said the action reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal occupation of land and criminal misuse of property.
Coordinated Enforcement Action
The operation was conducted in close coordination between the civil administration and police, ensuring strict compliance with legal procedures and maintaining public order throughout the process. Senior officers from the revenue, police, and municipal departments were present on the spot to supervise the drive and address any contingencies.
According to officials, the demolished structures were raised illegally on encroached land and had been under scrutiny for their suspected involvement in unlawful activities. Prior notices and due verification were undertaken before initiating the demolition, ensuring that the action stood on firm legal ground.
Crackdown on Land Grabbing and NDPS-linked Properties
An official spokesperson stated that the drive was aimed at dismantling the infrastructure that enables criminal networks, particularly those involved in drug trafficking and related offences. “Illegal constructions often become safe havens for anti-social and criminal elements. Removing such structures is essential to restoring the rule of law and ensuring public safety,” the spokesperson said.
The administration reiterated that properties found to be illegally constructed or linked to NDPS offenders will face strict action, including demolition and attachment, in accordance with law. The move aligns with the broader strategy of the Jammu district administration to break the economic backbone of organised crime.
Strong Message to Encroachers
The demolition drive sends a clear message to land grabbers and violators that illegal occupation of land will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Authorities emphasised that public and government land is meant for planned development and community welfare, not for private misuse.
Officials added that similar anti-encroachment drives are planned in other vulnerable areas of the district, based on inputs from field agencies and intelligence reports. “The administration is committed to ensuring that encroachments are removed in a fair, transparent, and sustained manner,” an official said.
Maintaining Law and Order
Adequate police deployment was ensured during the operation to prevent any law and order issues. The demolition was carried out peacefully, with no untoward incident reported. Local residents largely welcomed the action, expressing hope that such measures would deter illegal construction and criminal activities in their locality.
Residents of Narwal Bala said that unchecked encroachments had been causing civic issues and security concerns for a long time. “This action was long overdue. We hope the administration continues such drives so that the area develops in a planned and lawful manner,” said a local resident.
Administration Reaffirms Commitment
District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas has repeatedly stressed that rule of law, public safety, and planned development remain top priorities for the district administration. Under his leadership, the administration has intensified enforcement actions against encroachments, illegal mining, and other unlawful activities.
SSP Jammu Joginder Singh also reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to supporting the civil administration in its efforts to eliminate criminal networks. He stated that strict surveillance and enforcement would continue against individuals attempting to misuse land for illegal purposes.
Public Advisory
The District Administration Jammu has once again appealed to citizens to avoid illegal constructions and ensure that all building activities are carried out only after obtaining the necessary approvals from competent authorities. Citizens were also encouraged to report cases of encroachment or suspicious activities to the administration or police.
Officials emphasised that proactive public cooperation is vital for maintaining law and order and fostering sustainable urban development.
Way Forward
With this decisive action at Narwal Bala, the Jammu district administration has reinforced its resolve to uphold legality and protect public land. The authorities made it clear that anti-encroachment and anti-crime drives will continue in the coming days as part of a larger effort to ensure a safe, orderly, and law-abiding environment across the district.
