90% of 5000 hotels built in 6 years illegal in Kashmir: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha accused local hoteliers of constructing nearly 90% of the 5,000 hotels built in the region over the past six years without proper authorization, during a conference in Srinagar on July 27, 2026. Speaking at the “Ethical approach towards tourism” event organized by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild (TTIG) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Mr. Sinha highlighted the legal violations committed by the hospitality sector and emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices. He specifically mentioned prominent hotelier Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, who had received a summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) earlier in June. According to Mr. Sinha, despite the majority of the hotels being constructed illegally, they contributed significantly to the economy, generating an investment of more than 80,000 to 1 lakh crore rupees. He noted that approximately 90% of the capital came from local investors, while the remaining 10% was sourced from individuals engaged in the tour and travel industry. During the address, he also estimated that Mr. Chaya’s hotel was valued at around ₹100 crores. Mr. Sinha criticized the hoteliers for acting as “encroachers” and for raising concerns about land encroachment while simultaneously benefiting from such activities. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the growth of local tourism stakeholders, such as shikara operators, craftsmen, and other community-based businesses, had played a crucial role in fostering peace in the region. However, he warned against the negative impact of high pricing on tourist experiences, citing examples such as room rates ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 and inflated taxi fares in Srinagar. These factors, he argued, had tarnished the reputation of the tourism sector and discouraged visitors. Mr. Sinha further emphasized that the success of tourism in Kashmir should not be measured solely by the number of tourists or revenue generated by large-scale operations. Instead, he advocated for a more inclusive model where economic benefits trickled down to smaller stakeholders, such as homestay owners in Gurez and artisans in Pulwama. He called for a shift toward ethical tourism, stating that such values could not be enforced through mere regulations or penalties. Rather, he suggested that conservation efforts should become a collective societal movement, involving all members of the community as active participants. In addition to environmental stewardship, Mr. Sinha urged tourists to take necessary precautions to protect Kashmir’s natural landscapes. He encouraged visitors to appreciate the region’s beauty while ensuring that the environment remained undamaged. “All have to join hands to ensure that tourism sustains for a longer period,” he said, adding that preserving Kashmir’s heritage was a shared duty. The Lieutenant Governor commended the organizers of the conference for bringing together key stakeholders and promoting a renewed vision of tourism rooted in ethical principles. He reiterated that tourism in J&K had achieved remarkable progress, with record tourist arrivals, restored traveler confidence, increased investments, and expanded job opportunities. Nevertheless, he insisted that sustainable development required balancing economic gains with ecological preservation. Mr. Sinha concluded by urging all participants to transform the discussions into actionable strategies with defined objectives, timelines, and performance metrics. His remarks underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a future where tourism contributes positively to both the economy and the environment.