Aaqib Khan

Gulmarg, Oct 25 (KNS): Unauthorised construction activity is continuing in Gulmarg, particularly in its restricted red zone, raising serious questions over the enforcement of building regulations in one of Kashmir’s most prominent tourist destinations.

During a ground visit, KNS found construction work underway at several hotels despite restrictions governing building activity in the resort.

What has emerged is a troubling pattern: permission granted to one hotel for minor repairs or maintenance is apparently being used by other establishments as a precedent to undertake construction without obtaining the necessary approvals.

The situation has raised concerns over whether permissions issued for limited works are being misused or whether inadequate monitoring has allowed unauthorised construction to continue.

Speaking to KNS, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Mohammed Aliyas Naisroo, acknowledged that the authority had received complaints about illegal construction.

"We have also received complaints regarding illegal construction and are working on the matter. Those found guilty will be dealt with in accordance with the law," Naisroo told KNS.

However, the authority did not immediately provide details of the number of complaints received, inspections conducted or action taken against establishments found violating construction norms.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The continued activity has brought the effectiveness of regulatory oversight into question, particularly in the red zone, where construction is subject to stringent restrictions.

Gulmarg's development has long been governed by planning and environmental considerations aimed at protecting its fragile mountain ecosystem and preventing unregulated commercial expansion.

With tourism-related infrastructure continuing to grow, the distinction between permissible repairs and fresh construction has become increasingly important.

The latest findings also raise a fundamental question: if permission for minor work at one property is followed by construction at several others, what mechanism exists to ensure that individual approvals do not become an excuse for widespread violations?

While the GDA has assured action against violators, the extent of the ongoing construction and the absence of immediately available enforcement details have left questions about how effectively the restrictions are being implemented.

It remains to be seen whether the authority's response will result in inspections and action against unauthorised works or whether construction will continue despite the restrictions. (KNS)