SAMBA, May 17:
Authorities in Samba district carried out an anti-encroachment drive at Birpur (Balole Khad), Bari Brahmana, and retrieved around 50 kanals of state land valued at approximately ₹60 crores.

According to officials, the land had earlier been transferred to J&K SIDCO for allotment to industrial units aimed at promoting industrial development in the region. Officials stated that the land had subsequently come under illegal occupation.

The District Administration Samba, in coordination with the Police Department, conducted an eviction drive to clear the encroached area. During the operation, authorities demolished 33 alleged illegal structures, including concrete structures, kullas, temporary structures, and cattle sheds.

Officials said the drive was part of ongoing efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan and related enforcement measures against illegal activities and encroachments.

Following the operation, possession of the retrieved land was formally handed over to J&K SIDCO.