The conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes is increasing at an alarming rate in different parts of Kashmir valley since August 05.Locals from different parts of Kashmir valley alleged that in the absence of administrative action, the “illegal” conversion of agricultural land goes unabated in the area of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Baramulla and other parts of Kashmir valley. Locals said that the land mafia in connivance with the government functionaries is involved in selling agriculture land for the establishment of residential colonies.Despite several laws being in place, the state government has failed to stop the conversion of agricultural land into commercial and residential purposes.The provisions of J&K Land Revenue Act 1996 prohibit the conversion of paddy or vegetable land into any other use. Besides violation of laws, the construction of residential and commercial buildings on agricultural land is violation of the master plan.A high-level official committee constituted by the government in 2009 to report on master plan violations, had identified and compiled a comprehensive report of around 2500 illegal structures in the Srinagar city alone.“Most of these constructions were made on agricultural land by some politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats. Government succumbed to the pressure of these influential people and shelved the report without taking any action on it,” an official said.It has been seen most of the agricultural land has been converted into non-agricultural purposes on the outskirts of Srinagar and other rural areas of the Valley.The High Court had pulled up the state government several times and directed the authorities to ensure that no conversion of agricultural land is allowed for commercial, residential and industrial purposes.Commissioner/Secretary to the Government Revenue Department No.Rev/Sl270/2016 Dated Ml10 -2016 ordered authorities to ensure that no conversion of agricultural land is allowed for commercial, residential and industrial purposes. However the authorities had failed to follow the directions of the court. Agriculture is the prime source of the state income as around 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly involved with it. (PTK)