http://igovernment.in/site/tough-law-protect-agricultural-land-jk-38938
It recommends massive penalty for those involved in conversion of
agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes
Published on 12/14/2010 - 11:41:03 AM
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to bring in a tough law to check the
rising use of agriculture land for non- agricultural purposes.
The new law categorically prohibits conversion of land used for Saffron
cultivation, orchards or which is recorded as irrigated land by Revenue
Department.
The violator shall be punished with imprisonment of upto one year or with
fine not less than 10 per cent of the market value of the land or with both.
The law will be backed by the creation of State Land Use Board, a body
entrusted with checking the practice of illegal land conversion.
The new law will replace all previous agricultural laws drafted to protect
agricultural land, which have failed to deal with the grim situation.
The state has lost over 50,000 acres of agricultural land to various non
agricultural commercial purposes and construction activities during the last
two decades. The practice has severely dented the efforts of government
which has been trying to make the state as self sufficient in food crops.
After the Bill is passed, a land owner will lose the independent right to
use the agricultural land for any other activity including construction
purposes. Any non agriculture activity will need permission from head of
district administration or Divisional Commissioner.
The Bill titled, Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition on Conversion of Agriculture
Land for Non-Agriculture Purposes Bill, 2010, is expected to be tabled in
the upcoming budget session of the state legislature. The Bill whose draft
has already been framed is currently open for receiving public opinion.
The law prohibits non agricultural activity on the land falling within 200
meters of any Railway Line, National Highway, State Highway or any other
road maintained by the government or any Local Authority.
The law would not apply to the land owned by the government, local
authority, used for religious or charitable purposes or for traditional
household industries.
Minister for Agriculture, GH Mir confirmed that the Bill is likely to be
tabled in the upcoming budget session of the state legislature.
Mir said that the proposed act would serve as deterrent and would contribute
immensely in checking and controlling the conversion of agricultural land
for other purposes.
