The directive by the Chief Secretary to create a GIS-based land bank in Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant step towards sustainable development and environmental conservation. This initiative, aimed at identifying and categorising Government-owned land parcels, will not only facilitate infrastructure projects but also ensure compensatory afforestation in compliance with Supreme Court directives. The dual objective of this exercise-development and conservation-is critical for a region like J&K, where balancing ecological preservation with infrastructure expansion remains a persistent challenge. By integrating GIS technology in land mapping, the administration can ensure precision, transparency, and efficiency in the identification process. This technological intervention will help classify land based on suitability for various developmental projects and ecological restoration, thereby preventing arbitrary land allocation.
A notable aspect of this initiative is the emphasis on joint ground-truthing by the Forest and Revenue Departments. This collaborative approach will ensure that land designated for afforestation is genuinely suitable for ecological restoration, while land earmarked for development meets the necessary criteria without jeopardising environmental integrity. The systematic categorisation of land banks into infrastructure development and afforestation zones aligns well with sustainable land-use policies, preventing indiscriminate land conversion and mitigating environmental degradation. Moreover, the establishment of a dedicated committee led by the PCCF highlights the administration’s commitment to compensatory afforestation. With over 2,576 land parcels covering 553,263 kanal identified so far, the initiative demonstrates remarkable progress. The successful verification of 82 parcels spanning 14,797 kanal and 154 marlas as encumbrance-free further reinforces the project’s viability. However, ensuring that all identified land parcels are legally and ecologically suitable for the intended purpose will be key to the success of this initiative.
Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem necessitates a cautious and strategic approach towards land management. The Supreme Court’s directive that there should be no net loss of forest land must remain a guiding principle. Implementing a GIS-based system ensures real-time monitoring, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption risks that often plague land allocation processes. Additionally, afforestation efforts in non-forest lands will help restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
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