In continuation to the widespread anti encroachment operations in the district, the District Administration Anantnag on Wednesday conducted massive anti encroachment operations against various stone crushers operating from State/ Kahcharai lands.

A senior officer said that several commercial establishments had been identified who were operating from encroached lands and raking in profits at the cost of resources of common people. He appealed to all such people to voluntarily stop operations and surrender the lands to the Government failing which similar legal action will follow.

Encroachment by 5 stone crusher units in Nipora Anantnag was retrieved by Tehsildar Anantnag. Sharing details, the officials confirmed that 5 crusher units, out of which three were completely operating from state land were put to notice a few days ago and today demolition drives were held as they failed to pay heed to the Government notices. A total of 50 kanals of land was retrieved which lies at a short distance from NH44 and is valued in excess of Rs 20 crores. Teams from the District Mineral Office were also present and the operation of crushers has been seized.

The officials said that the crushers have been given a week’s time to remove the machinery from the spot failing which the machinery will also be seized.

Demolition drives were also conducted at Panzath, Qazigund where another stone crusher was operating on state land. A total of 14 kanals of land was retrieved by the revenue team from Tehsil Qazigund.

It is in place to mention that in widespread anti encroachment drives held in the district, more than 2700 kanals of State/ Kahcharie lands were retrieved in a single day.