BUDGAM: A District-Level Committee (DLC) meeting regarding the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes under the J&K Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non-Agricultural Purposes) Regulations, 2022, was convened today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, here.

All designated DLC members and concerned sectoral officers attended the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on pending land use conversion cases and to examine them in light of departmental remarks and statutory regulations.

The committee discussed various cases related to set-up of different units such as, Establishment of Packaged Drinking Water Unit, Construction of Shops, Construction of Hotels, etc.

DC directed the concerned departments to verify all technical parameters, ownership documents, zoning compliance, and environmental considerations before final recommendations are issued. He stressed the need for efficient inter-departmental coordination to streamline the process of land conversion while ensuring adherence to legal and ecological safeguards.

He underscored the importance of balancing developmental needs with sustainable land management practices, adding that while the administration is committed to facilitating ease of doing business, no compromise shall be made on legal provisions and environmental norms.

He further instructed that all departments must ensure clarity, accountability, and public transparency in processing such cases. "Each case must be examined on its merit with strict adherence to the J&K Land Use Conversion Regulations, so that genuine applicants are not subjected to procedural hurdles," he stated.

DC directed all concerned departments for prompt participation and responsiveness. He reiterated that such meetings must be conducted regularly to speed up decision-making and support planned infrastructure growth in the district.

He directed all the concerned departments for forwarding the examined cases to the appropriate quarters along with consolidated departmental remarks for final decision under the framework of the J&K Agricultural Land Conversion Regulations.

CEO Doodhpathri Development Authority, General Manager DIC Budgam, ACR, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer DFO Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam, Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B) Budgam and Beerwah, Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Budgam, Executive Engineer, KPDCL Budgam, Executive Engineer, PHE Budgam, Pollution Control Board Officer, and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.