The Jammu and Kashmir government has revealed that more than 2,000 kanals of land have been allotted to non-local investors in the region over the past two years. The information was shared in response to a question by PDP MLA Waheed-ul-Rehman Para in the assembly on Wednesday.
In a written reply, the government stated that between January 1, 2023, and December 12, 2024, a total of 2,093 kanals of land were given to non-residents at the SIDCO Industrial Estate. The biggest land allocations took place in Kathua, where major companies received land for setting up industries. This includes 275 kanals to M/s RSWM Limited, 222 kanals to M/s Grew Energy Pvt Ltd (Unit-I), and 424 kanals to M/s Grew Energy Pvt Ltd (Unit-II) in Bhagthali-I. Additionally, at Bhagthali-II, 201 kanals were given to M/s Advance Films Pvt Ltd, 201 kanals to M/s Greenquest Alu Foils Pvt Ltd, 201 kanals to M/s Haldiram Snacks Manufacturing Plant, 209 kanals to M/s Sintex Advanced Plastic Ltd, and 206 kanals to M/s Ceylon Beverages Can Pvt Ltd.
In Srinagar’s Medicity Semporas, the UAE-based EMAAR Group’s company M/s Megna Waves Build Tech Pvt Ltd received 30 kanals of land, while the same group was allotted another 100 kanals at the same location. In Jammu’s Exhibition Ground, 24 kanals were also allotted to the same company.
On the broader issue of land allocation for industrial development, the government stated that in the last two years, 6,014 kanals and 10 marlas of land were allotted in Jammu Division, while 5,532 kanals and 19 marlas were given in Kashmir Division. However, the government clarified that no land had been transferred to public or private authorities for purposes other than industrial estates.
The revelations have sparked debate, with opposition leaders questioning the impact of such land allocations on the local population. PDP MLA Waheed-ul-Rehman Para, who raised the question, expressed concerns over the growing control of non-locals in the region’s economy. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the first right over their land. We need clarity on how these investments will benefit the locals,” he said.
Government officials, however, defended the move, stating that the investments would boost employment and economic growth. “The purpose of allotting land for industries is to bring economic prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir. These investments will create jobs and improve infrastructure,” said a government spokesperson.
