Srinagar, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the Assembly that over 200 unauthorized constructions have been identified across major tourist destinations, with enforcement action underway, including sealing, demolition and penalties.
Replying to a query by PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, the government said Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) have initiated action in all such cases, with the highest number reported from Doodhpathri.
Doodhpathri alone recorded 147 illegal constructions, where notices have been issued and FIRs registered. In Pahalgam, 28 violations were reported, with 13 sealed and action ongoing in the remaining cases.
In Gulmarg, 21 unauthorised structures were identified, of which 20 have been sealed and one demolished. Patnitop saw demolition of 15 constructions, while several others were stopped at an early stage.
Verinag reported four violations that were penalised, Sonamarg recorded five cases, while Bhaderwah saw 358 notices issued in connection with illegal constructions.
The government also informed that 807 building permissions were granted by TDAs over the past three years, including 245 in 2023-24, 147 in 2024-25 and 415 in 2025-26, covering residential, commercial and tourism-related structures.
Additionally, 2,613 homestays have been registered so far with a total bed capacity of 19,328.
It was further stated that GIS-based monitoring systems are being implemented in select tourist zones, with efforts underway to expand digital monitoring and strengthen regulatory mechanisms across all such areas. (KNC)
