Pahalgam faces renewed scrutiny over alleged construction near protected areas

PAHALGAM — The fragile ecological landscape of Pahalgam is facing renewed scrutiny over alleged construction activity in areas falling within or adjoining protected wildlife and forest zones, with sources claiming that several new huts have come up near Mamal under the guise of renovation.

The allegations assume significance in view of the legal restrictions governing construction in designated forest and wildlife areas of Pahalgam.

The J&K High Court has previously recorded that existing structures in such areas could continue, but no further construction would be permitted. Repairs and renovations, however, could be considered through the prescribed process and in accordance with the Master Plan.

Sources familiar with the developments told news agency KNT that influential persons had allegedly exploited the distinction between renovation and reconstruction to raise structures beyond the scope of existing huts.

They claimed that while alterations to existing structures are subject to regulatory scrutiny, fresh construction had allegedly been allowed to take place in an area where ecological restrictions are expected to be particularly stringent.

The allegations have raised questions over the authority under which the reported structures near Mamal were permitted and whether the required scrutiny and clearances were obtained.

The issue extends beyond the individual structures, given concerns over the impact of construction and other alterations on Pahalgam’s forests, slopes, streams and deodar stands.

The recent devastation in the Himalayas, including the catastrophic floods in Nepal, has once again demonstrated the enormous human cost that can follow when fragile mountain environments are subjected to rising climatic pressures and poorly planned development. Experts have warned that warming Himalayas, unstable slopes and changing precipitation patterns are increasing the complexity of mountain disasters.

Against this backdrop, continued alteration of Pahalgam’s natural landscape has drawn calls for closer scrutiny, particularly over whether cumulative changes to forests, slopes and natural drainage systems could increase vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Locals and environmental observers have also raised concerns over the alleged cutting of old deodar trees in the Pahalgam forest landscape. The removal of mature trees for construction or expansion, they maintain, would result in an ecological loss that cannot simply be offset by replacing timber or planting saplings elsewhere.

Pahalgam has previously witnessed disputes over construction and encroachment. During earlier proceedings, the High Court was informed of extensive structures in forest and wildlife areas, including the Mamal forest belt, and authorities were directed to identify and document structures in prohibited zones.

The allegations of fresh construction have therefore renewed questions over whether the earlier concerns surrounding conservation and commercial pressure remain unresolved.

The issue comes even as the government is expanding wildlife infrastructure in the Pahalgam landscape. An official notification issued this year provides for acquisition of land at Laripora for extension of the Kashmir Wildlife Zoo, underscoring the stated importance of wildlife-related infrastructure in the area.

The reported construction near Mamal consequently raises questions over whether the structures are authorised and, if so, under which provisions and after what scrutiny. If they are unauthorised, questions also arise over enforcement and why the work was allegedly allowed to progress.

Efforts to contact the concerned Divisional Forest Officer for a response did not materialise.

For Pahalgam, the controversy goes beyond individual structures. Allegations concerning construction, tree cutting and changes to protected landscapes raise broader questions about the balance between development and ecological safeguards in one of Kashmir’s environmentally sensitive destinations.

The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/jk/kashmir/pahalgam-faces-renewed-scrutiny-over-alleged-construction-near-protected-areas/116124.html