Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that Patnitop has been proposed for consideration under the Centre’s Globally Competitive Tourism Destination Scheme, but has not been declared a world-class tourism destination by the Government of India.
Replying to a question by Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia during Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session, the Chief Minister said a preliminary survey to identify suitable land parcels and comprehensive stakeholder consultation conferences had already been completed for the proposed initiative.
He said the requisite ground data and basic details for the proposal were currently being compiled. No funds have so far been sanctioned or released by the Government of India for the proposed project.
On the revision of the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) Master Plan-2000, Abdullah said the Tourism Department had initiated the process for its comprehensive revision, along with preparation of master plans for various development authorities.
The exercise, he said, seeks to address rapid urban growth, modern infrastructure requirements and sustainable spatial development, besides optimising land use, improving public amenities and establishing a roadmap for long-term development.
The Chief Minister said the Request for Proposal (RFP), as finalised by the Steering Committee constituted by the government, had been floated for engaging a consultancy agency to prepare the Master Plan.
Regarding construction norms for hilly areas, Abdullah said these would be reviewed wherever required during preparation or revision of the master plans, taking into account local terrain, geological and structural safety, environmental sensitivity, carrying capacity, infrastructure requirements and tourism potential.
On the proposed revision of Building Operation and Construction Authority (BOCA) norms for commercial buildings within the PDA jurisdiction, he said any changes in construction norms, zoning regulations, land-use classification or other planning parameters would be considered in accordance with prevailing laws, rules and applicable planning and building regulations.
Such changes, he said, would be undertaken after due assessment and consultation with concerned stakeholders.
Abdullah also informed the House that the Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021 are already implemented within the jurisdiction of the Patnitop Development Authority.
Giving details of building permission cases, the Chief Minister 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 cases were received, 18 approved and 24 rejected.
During 2025-26, 10 commercial building permission cases were received, with four approved, three rejected and three pending. Of the 60 residential cases received, 16 were approved, 41 rejected and three remained pending.
As per available records, 14 residential and two commercial building permission cases were subsequently received, the Chief Minister added.
