Gulmarg, August 4 (KNS): The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) on Monday officially took possession of the historic Nedou’s Hotel in Gulmarg, bringing an end to a decades-long land dispute over the iconic property that once hosted royals, political elites, and tourists for over a century.

The action was carried out under the Jammu & Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988, in compliance with orders issued by both the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Assistant Director of Tourism, acting as the designated Estate Officer, oversaw the eviction and transfer of the premises to GDA, supported by a local magistrate to ensure a peaceful process.

The property spread across nearly 98 kanals and 11 marlas had been under the control of the Nedou family since the late 19th century through successive lease arrangements with the government.

However, those leases lapsed in 1985 and were never renewed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe J&K government formally rejected the renewal plea in 2015, and legal efforts by the hotel’s management to retain control were ultimately dismissed by the courts, which declared the hotel an unauthorized occupant.

On August 02, In a formal letter accessed by KNS, the CEO of the GDA instructed the tourism department to carry out the eviction within 24 hours. “It has been found necessary to take possession of the said property in light of legal directions and examination of records,” the letter noted.

The Nedou family’s legacy in Gulmarg dates back to the 1880s when Michael Adam Nedou, of European origin, established the hotel as a retreat for colonial officers and visiting dignitaries.

His son, Harry Nedou, later married Mir Jaan, a local woman from a Rajput Gujjar family in Gulmarg. Their daughter, Akbar Jahan, married Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the founding leader of the National Conference.(KNS).