Srinagar, March 25 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act, Svt. 1996, includes provisions to prevent the misuse of agricultural land.

Responding to a question by Irfan Hafiz Lone in the Legislative Assembly, he cited Section 133-A of the Act, which prohibits the use of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes without the District Collector's approval. However, up to 400 square meters of agricultural land can be converted for residential use under this section.

He further explained that Section 133-C mandates that any unauthorized land conversion in violation of Sections 133-A, 133-B, or 133-BB would escheat to the government. Offenders may face penalties of up to Rs.25,000, as imp...