Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 1

The Jammu and Kashmir government has identified more than 200 unauthorized constructions across key tourist destinations, with the highest concentration reported in Doodhpathri, officials said on Wednesday.

In a written response to a question in the legislative assembly, the government outlined enforcement measures taken by Tourism Development Authorities, including demolitions, property sealing, financial penalties and legal notices.

Doodhpathri accounted for 147 of the cases, where authorities have issued notices and filed police complaints. 

In Pahalgam, 28 illegal structures were identified; 13 have been sealed and action is continuing against the remainder. 

Gulmarg reported 21 such constructions, of which 20 have been sealed and one demolished.

Elsewhere, officials said 15 illegal structures were demolished in Patnitop, while additional violations were halted at early stages. 

Verinag reported four cases that resulted in penalties, and Sonamarg recorded five unauthorized constructions. 

In Bhaderwah, authorities have issued 358 notices linked to suspected violations.

Officials said the actions were part of an ongoing effort to regulate construction activity in ecologically sensitive and high-traffic tourism zones.

At the same time, the government reported that 807 construction permissions had been granted by tourism authorities over the past three years, including 245 in 2023-24, 147 in 2024-25 and 415 in 2025-26. 

These approvals covered a range of developments, including more than 500 residential buildings, as well as hotels, commercial properties and small lodging units.

In addition, more than 2600 homestays have been registered across the region, with a combined capacity of over 19,000 beds, reflecting a growing push to expand tourism infrastructure.

Officials said that in areas with approved master plans, including Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, authorities maintain a digital inventory of authorized structures using geographic information systems. 

In other regions, while a comprehensive database is still being developed, geo-coordinates are required before construction approvals are granted, allowing for closer monitoring.

The government also said that audits and oversight reviews have been initiated in several major tourist destinations. 

A special audit was conducted in Pahalgam in 2025 by the national auditor, with findings still pending, while separate reviews in Sonamarg have yet to be formally submitted to the authorities.

The disclosures highlight the challenge of balancing tourism growth with regulatory enforcement in some of the region’s most visited and environmentally sensitive areas.