The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the immediate eviction and takeover of the historic Hotel Nedou’s in Gulmarg, citing unauthorized occupation of the heritage property. The directive comes in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.
In an official communication, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain (JKAS), according to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), has instructed the Assistant Director of Tourism, Gulmarg, to take physical possession of the property and hand it over to the GDA within 24 hours. The directive underscores the urgency of enforcement and is backed by legal orders and administrative notifications.
The eviction order references the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s dismissal of SLP No. 28599/2018 and the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir’s order dated 06.09.2018 in OWP No. 847/2015, as well as a letter from the Department of Tourism dated 11.12.2018.
“In compliance with these directives, and in view of S.O. 18 of 2025, issued under notification number TSM-Estt/21/2023 dated 14.01.2025, the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, who holds the powers of an Estate Officer under the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988, has been asked to proceed with the eviction process and transfer the premises to GDA,” the official order stated.
Hotel Nedou’s, established in the late 19th century, holds significant historical and architectural value. Once a luxurious retreat for royals and elite visitors, the hotel has long stood as a landmark in the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg.
While the government has not disclosed future plans for the site, the eviction aligns with ongoing efforts to reclaim government properties believed to be under unauthorized possession.
There has been no immediate response from the management of Hotel Nedou’s regarding the development. (KDC)