Billawaria demands high-level probe into alleged encroachment of historic Kunjwani Pond

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir General Secretary and former Jammu Deputy Mayor Baldev Singh Billawaria today visited the historic Kunjwani Pond located in Ward-55 of Jammu city and took stock of its present condition.

During the visit, local residents informed Billawaria that the existence of the nearly 39 Kanal Kunjwani Pond has been severely threatened due to alleged encroachments by certain individuals and the Waqf Board. They stated that the pond, which once served as an important source for rainwater conservation and public benefit, has now almost disappeared due to illegal occupation of its land.

The residents expressed serious concern, alleging that the encroachment of the pond area is not only a major environmental issue but also raises serious questions regarding the protection of government land and natural water resources. They further alleged that the land falling under the pond area was transferred or sold by the Waqf Board to the National Highway office for approximately ₹16 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Baldev Singh Billawaria said that Kunjwani Pond is not merely a water body but a symbol of Jammu’s natural heritage, ecological balance, and the identity and sentiments of local residents. He emphasized that protecting water bodies and public assets is the responsibility of every administration, and if any illegal occupation of pond land has taken place, it must be subjected to a fair and high-level investigation, followed by strict legal action against those found responsible.

Billawaria stressed that preservation of traditional water bodies is essential not only from an environmental perspective but also for safeguarding the future of coming generations. He pointed out that the Supreme Court of India, through several judgments, has repeatedly highlighted the importance of protecting water bodies and maintaining their original character while preventing encroachments.

He asserted that damaging, filling, or illegally altering the natural structure of any water body cannot be permitted under any circumstances. He demanded that the administration conduct a detailed inquiry into the entire matter, make all relevant documents public, and clarify the actual land records of the pond along with the circumstances under which construction or other activities were allowed on the site.

Highlighting the importance of Jammu’s natural resources, Billawaria said that ponds, lakes, and other traditional water sources are invaluable heritage assets of the city, and no negligence or irregularity in their protection can be tolerated. He urged the administration to prepare a concrete action plan to make Kunjwani Pond free from encroachments and restore it to its original form so that the objectives of rainwater conservation and environmental protection can be achieved.

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has accorded top priority to water conservation, revival of traditional water sources, and environmental protection across the country. In such a scenario, neglecting Jammu’s historic water bodies is unacceptable. While development projects are necessary, maintaining a balance between development and environmental conservation is equally important.

Reaffirming BJP’s commitment towards public welfare, environmental protection, and local interests, Billawaria assured that the party would strongly raise the issue of Kunjwani Pond’s preservation, investigation into alleged encroachments, and the legitimate concerns of residents before the administration and concerned departments to ensure a permanent and positive solution.

Issuing a warning, Billawaria said that if immediate steps are not taken to protect Kunjwani Pond and restore the historic water body, he would join hands with local citizens and launch a peaceful democratic movement on the National Highway to safeguard this important environmental and cultural asset of Jammu.