JAMMU, SEPT 29: Manik Batra, Director, Batra Group and Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, has welcomed the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources and Management Regulations Bill, 2026, saying the legislation could provide greater clarity and legal security to eligible holders of Gair Mumkin Khad land where no actual watercourse exists.
Batra said the legislation addresses a longstanding concern of landholders who have faced uncertainty over the status and use of such properties.
He particularly appreciated the provision aimed at granting proprietary rights to eligible individuals in cases where there is no actual flow of water on the land.
He said a clear legal framework would help affected property holders understand and secure their land rights and could also facilitate the productive and lawful utilisation of such land.
“The passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources and Management Regulations Bill, 2026, is a welcome development for people who have been facing uncertainty regarding their land rights. Where there is no actual flow of water, providing a clear legal framework for proprietary rights can bring greater certainty and facilitate the productive use of such land,” Batra said.
He further said that a transparent and well-defined regulatory mechanism could help address longstanding land-related issues while creating greater certainty for legitimate investment, development and economic activity in the region.
Batra expressed appreciation to the J&K Government and members of the Legislative Assembly for taking up the issue and hoped that the provisions of the legislation would be implemented in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner, with due consideration to the interests of affected landholders.
