Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 18: As many as 185 illegal constructions have been detected in highly eco-sensitive and barred areas of three world famous tourist resorts of Kashmir during the last three years.
During last three years, 185 illegal constructions were detected in highly eco-sensitive and barred areas of tourist resorts of Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg in the Valley, Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi said in a written reply to the question of NC Legislator, Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri in Upper House here today.
The minister said that out of the total, 179 illegal structures have been demolished and six such structures have been sealed.
Besides, 18 number of illegal constructed shops and two houses were also detected and demolished during 2014-15 within jurisdiction of Sonamarg Development Authority, the minister said.
Replying to another question regarding permissions granted to new constructions, she said no new permission for construction of hotels, lodges, structures or buildings in highly eco- sensitive and barred areas of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg have been granted in the last three years.
The High Court has completely banned any sort of construction within the jurisdiction of Pahalgam and Gulmarg Development Authorities, the minister said.
However, nine permissions were granted during 2014-15 in designated areas of the approved Master Plan of Sonamarg Development Authority, she maintained.
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