JAMMU: The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing significant growth, with tourism development authorities (TDAs) issuing 415 building permissions in 2025-26 alone, surpassing the total from the last two financial years combined.
In total, from 2023 to 2026, 807 building permissions were granted in the Union territory, according to official statistics.
Over the past three years, TDAs have identified more than 500 unauthorized constructions in prominent tourist areas, leading to notices being served, FIRs registered, penalties imposed, and demolitions carried out.
The tourism department reported that 245 building permissions were issued in 2023-24, followed by 147 in 2024-25, and 415 in 2025-26. This included the approvals for 544 residential houses, 121 commercial structures, 26 hotels, 14 huts, and two guest houses during this three-year period.
Additionally, the Tourism Department has registered 2,613 homestay units across Jammu and Kashmir, providing a total of 19,328 beds.
Bhaderwah in the Jammu division has recorded the highest number of illegal constructions at 358, prompting authorities to serve notices to offenders. In Kashmir, Doodhpathri reported 147 unauthorized structures, while Pahalgam sealed 13 of the 28 illegal buildings identified, with actions pending against the remainder.
The celebrated ski resort of Gulmarg reported 21 illegal structures—20 of which were sealed and one demolished. Other violations were found in Sonamarg and Verinag, leading to penalties in these areas as well.
In Patnitop, 15 illegal constructions were demolished, with several more halted in the initial stages of development.
A GIS-based inventory of authorized constructions is being maintained by the chief town planner’s office in regions with approved master plans, including Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
While a comprehensive GIS-based inventory is still under development in other TDAs, geo-coordinates are now a mandatory part of the permissions process, ensuring enhanced spatial monitoring and regulatory oversight.
