SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that Patnitop has not been declared a world-class tourism destination by the Centre, but the J&K Government has proposed it for consideration under the Centre’s Globally Competitive Tourism Destination Scheme.
Replying to a question by Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia during Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session, Omar said a preliminary survey to identify suitable land parcels, along with stakeholder consultations, had already been completed for the proposed initiative.
He said the required ground data and other basic details were currently being compiled, adding that no funds had so far been sanctioned or released by the Government of India for the proposed project.
On the revision of the Patnitop Development Authority’s (PDA) Master Plan-2000, the Chief Minister said the Tourism Department had initiated the process for comprehensive revision and preparation of Master Plans for various Development Authorities, including PDA.
The exercise, he said, aims to address rapid urban growth, modern infrastructure requirements and sustainable spatial development, besides optimising land use, improving public amenities and providing a long-term development roadmap.
Omar said the Request for Proposal, finalised by a government-constituted Steering Committee, had been floated for engaging a consultancy agency to prepare the Master Plan.
Regarding construction norms for hilly areas, he said these would be reviewed wherever required during the preparation or revision of Master Plans, taking into account local terrain, geological and structural safety, environmental sensitivity, carrying capacity, infrastructure needs and tourism potential.
On the proposed revision of BOCA norms for commercial buildings within the PDA jurisdiction, the Chief Minister said any changes in construction norms, zoning regulations, land-use classification or other planning parameters would be considered in accordance with applicable laws, rules and planning and building regulations after due assessment and consultation with stakeholders.
He also informed the House that the Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021 had already been implemented within the jurisdiction of the Patnitop Development Authority.
Giving details of building permission cases during the past two years, Omar said the PDA received six commercial applications in 2024-25, of which three were approved and three rejected, with none pending. In the residential category, 42 applications were received, 18 approved and 24 rejected.
During 2025-26, the PDA received 10 commercial building permission applications, with four approved, three rejected and three pending. In the residential category, 60 applications were received, of which 16 were approved, 41 rejected and three remained pending.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that, as per available records, 14 residential and two commercial building permission cases had subsequently been received.
