Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 1: Amid a surge in construction activity across Jammu and Kashmir’s prime tourist destinations, Government today said that a total of 807 building permissions have been issued over the past three years, even as widespread violations and illegal constructions continue to surface.
The Government said 415 permissions have been granted so far in 2025-26, compared with 147 in 2024-25 and 245 in 2023-24, highlighting a sharp recent increase in approvals. At the same time, enforcement records point to widespread violations, including 147 illegal constructions in one location and 359 notices in another.
The disclosures came in response to questions raised by MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, who sought detailed information on building permissions and unauthorized construction across major tourist areas.
According to the Government, most approved structures fall under residential use, totalling 5,114 units. This is alongside 121 commercial buildings, 26 hotels, 14 huts and two guest houses. Officials also said 2,611 homestays have been registered across the Union Territory, with a combined bed capacity of 19,329.
However, the Government reply also revealed significant breaches of regulations across prominent tourist destinations.
In Gulmarg, 21 illegal structures were identified, with 20 sealed and one demolished. Pahalgam reported 28 unauthorized constructions, including 13 sealed, while action is ongoing against the rest.
Authorities demolished 15 structures in Patnitop, with other projects halted at early stages. In Sonamarg, five illegal constructions were flagged, while Verinag recorded four cases that resulted in penalties.
More extensive violations were noted in Doodhpathri, where 147 illegal constructions have been issued notices, and in Bhaderwah, where authorities have served 359 notices.
The government said enforcement actions include sealing, demolitions, penalties and notices, but did not specify how many cases resulted in formal police complaints.
On monitoring, officials stated that GIS-based tracking systems are currently operational only in select areas, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Other Tourism Development Authorities rely on geo-coordinates submitted with project proposals.
Addressing accountability, the Government said audits and vigilance inquiries have been carried out, particularly in Pahalgam and Sonamarg. A 2025 audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in Pahalgam is still awaiting its final advisory report, while findings from inquiries in Sonamarg have yet to be formally shared.
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