The army has been told to hand over land held by it at the Anantnag High Ground to the state Government at an earliest. Besides, the army authorities have also been told to vacate the land in Lower Khurbathang plateau.

An official spokesman said here that the state’s Chief Secretary, B.B. Vyas Tuesday held a high level meeting here with Director General (DG), Defence Estates, Jojneswar Sharma to discuss the land related issues of mutual importance to the state Government and the Ministry of Defence.

 The issues discussed in the meeting include handing over of land at Anantnag High Ground to the state Government, vacation of land in Lower Khurbathang plateau by Army, revision of rentals of orchards and Municipal Corporation lands, revision of rates of compensation  payable to persons affected by field firing ranges, and issues related to acquisition/vacation of land.

Chief Secretary stressed upon early handing over of land at Anantnag High Ground to the state Government and vacation of Lower Khurbathang Plateau by the Army.

DG, Defence Estates mentioned that the proposals related to revision of rentals of orchards and Municipal Corporation lands, and rates of compensation payable to persons affected by field firing ranges are at advanced stages of consideration.

He sought cooperation of the state Government in grant of NoCs in the pending land acquisition cases, regularisation of land and mutations.

Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir were asked to hold review meetings with the respective DCs and officers of Defence Estates, for addressing the pending issues within a stipulated time frame.

Similarly, the concerned DCs will undertake the process of reconciliation of land held by the army; process the cases of NoCs and preparation of revenue papers in pending cases, in consultation with the Defence Estates Officers (DEOs).

Besides Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, other senior officers of the state Government and Defence Estates attended the meeting.

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