Land for travelers mart Lakhanpur identified: Minister

JAMMU: Minister for Planning Labour and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra informed the House that for the construction of Travellers Mart at Lakhanpur, which is part of Lakhanpur-Bani-Basholi-Sarthal Circuit, 213 kanals of land were identified.
It comprises 98 kanals and 2 marlas belonging to Punjab Government (Irrigation Department), 69 Kanals and 15 marlas of State land and 45 Kanals and 3 Marlas of private land. Regarding transfer of land measuring 98 kanals and 2 marlas, the matter is under correspondence with the Punjab Government.
He said that the State land measuring 69 kanals and 15 marlas was transferred to the Tourism Department vide Government Order NO. Rev(S)/390 of 2007 dated 22.11.2007 and final award in respect of private land measuring 45 kanals and 3 marlas was issued by the then Collector, Land Acquisition.
He said that in order to discuss the issues regarding construction of Travelers Mart at Lakhanpur, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of the then Minister for Tourism and Culture in his office chambers on 20th April, 2012, it was decided that Deputy Commissioner, Kathua will ensure handing over the physical possession of the State as well as the proprietary land acquired by the Department. Chief Executive Officer, Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority is also coordination with the District Administration to take possession of the said land with proper demarcation on the ground.
He said that Directorate of Tourism has taken the physical possession of approximately 85 kanals of land out of 114 kanals and 18 marlas and about 30 kanals of land are still under encroachment for which the efforts are afoot to get it vacated with the help of the District Administration. Moreover, the construction work of Lakhanpur Travellers Mart has already been started by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu and construction of budget accommodation, public convenience has also been taken up by the CEO, Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority. The construction of the Children Park is being taken up soon. He said that to take the physical possession of 114 kanals and 18 marlas, there is an imminent requirement of fencing. As soon as funds become available, the entire parcel of land will be fenced to prevent encroachment. The district administration has assured that magisterial support and police assistance will be provided as and when required.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.