JAMMU, FEB 07 (KNS) ; The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved 346 No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for residential construction by locals in the Pahalgam area over the past two years, Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana informed the Legislative Assembly on Saturday.
The minister as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said 349 such applications were received between January 2024 and December 2025 by the Wildlife Warden, South Division, Anantnag.
He stated that two applications were rejected due to incomplete documentation and one issued NOC was later withdrawn as the site was found to be within the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, which is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The government said it maintains a "balanced approach" between development needs and environmental conservation.
In a supplementary reply, the minister said the Wildlife Department has 517 empanelled employees across Jammu and Kashmir, and their salaries are being paid regularly with no pending arrears. (KNS)