Over 200 illegal constructions flagged in J&K tourist zones

Srinagar, Apr 1: More than 200 illegal constructions have been identified across major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir; Doodhpathri alone accounts for 147 cases, the government said in the Assembly on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed u Rehman Parra, the government detailed enforcement actions taken by Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs), including sealing, demolitions, penalties and notices.

Doodhpathri reported 147 illegal constructions, where notices have been issued and FIRs registered. Pahalgam recorded 28 illegal constructions; 13 have been sealed while action is underway in the remaining cases. Gulmarg reported 21 such structures-20 sealed and one demolished.

In Patnitop, 15 illegal structures have been demolished, while several others were stopped at the initial stage. Verinag reported four unauthorized constructions that were penalized, while Sonamarg recorded five illegal constructions. In Bhaderwah, 358 notices have been served in connection with unauthorized constructions. “It is submitted that the details of illegal or unauthorized constructions were identified and action was initiated,” the reply said.

The government also informed that 807 building permissions were issued by various TDAs during the last three years. Of these, 245 permissions were granted in 2023-24, 147 in 2024-25, and 415 in 2025-26. Category-wise, the permissions include 544 residential houses, along with commercial buildings, hotels, huts and two guest houses. “It is further submitted that permissions/registrations for Homestays are granted by the concerned Directorates of Tourism (Jammu/Kashmir),” the reply said. As per the reply, 2,613 homestays have been registered so far, with a total bed capacity of 19,328. On digital monitoring, the government said that a GIS-based inventory of authorized constructions is maintained in Tourism Development Authorities where approved master plans are in operation, including Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, through the office of the Chief Town Planner. “In other TDAs, although a comprehensive GIS-based inventory is yet to be fully developed, geo-coordinates of proposed assets are mandatorily obtained prior to issuance of permissions/NOCs, ensuring spatial monitoring and regulatory oversight,” the reply said.

The government further said that special audits and vigilance inquiries have been conducted in key tourist areas. In Pahalgam, a special audit was conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2025, and “the advisory/report from CAG is awaited.” In Sonamarg, audits and vigilance inquiries have been carried out by the Vigilance Department and the Accountant General; however, “findings have not yet been formally shared with the Department,” the reply added.