Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday revealed that more than 800 building permissions have been issued across the Union Territory over the past three years, while acknowledging the rise of illegal constructions in several prominent tourist destinations.
Replying to a query by MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the Tourism Minister informed that a total of 807 permissions were granted by Tourism Development Authorities between 2023 and 2026.
Official data shows that 245 permissions were issued in 2023–24, followed by a dip to 147 in 2024–25, before witnessing a sharp increase to 415 in 2025–26.
Residential constructions dominated the approvals, accounting for 544 permissions, while 121 were issued for commercial buildings. Additionally, permissions were granted for 26 hotels, 14 huts, and two guest houses.
At the same time, the government expressed concern over illegal and unauthorized constructions emerging across major tourist hubs, stating that enforcement actions are actively underway.
In Gulmarg, authorities identified 21 незакон constructions, of which 20 have been sealed and one demolished. Pahalgam reported 28 such cases, with 13 sealed and action continuing against the remaining structures.
Patnitop witnessed demolition of 15 незакон constructions, while several others were halted at early stages. In Verinag, four unauthorized structures were penalized.
Doodhpathri has emerged as a major hotspot, with as many as 147 illegal constructions reported. Authorities have issued notices and registered FIRs in these cases. Meanwhile, Sonamarg recorded five such violations, and Bhaderwah saw 358 notices served against unauthorized constructions.
The government stated that strict measures—including sealing, demolition drives, penalties, and legal proceedings—are being implemented to curb violations, with further action ongoing in multiple locations
