Public TV’s Exposé on Illegal Encroachment
Baramulla, August 2, 2025 – In a significant move to uphold judicial directives and reclaim public land, the Jammu & Kashmir government has ordered the eviction of Nedou’s Hotel in Gulmarg within 24 hours. The directive, issued by Tariq Hussain (JKAS), Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), follows a recent investigative report by The Public TV that exposed decades-long illegal encroachment by the hotel on prime public land.
Legal Basis for Eviction
The eviction order aligns with the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Special Leave Petition No. 28599/2018 in November 2018 and the Jammu & Kashmir High Court’s judgment dated September 6, 2018, in OWP No. 847/2015. Both rulings affirmed the government’s ownership of the land and mandated the eviction of unauthorized occupants. The action is further supported by Notification No. TSM-Estt/21/2023 dated January 14, 2025 (S.O. 18 of 2025), which designates the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, as the Estate Officer under the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988.
Decades of Defiance Uncovered
The Public TV’s July 31, 2025, report, titled “Nedou’s Hotel Land Encroachment: A Mockery of Justice in Gulmarg,” brought to light the hotel’s unauthorized expansion and prolonged defiance of court orders. Originally leased 2 kanals and 13 marlas of land in 1963, Nedou’s Hotel expanded to occupy nearly 98 kanals of public land after its lease expired in 1985. The hotel ceased paying rent in 1990 but continued commercial operations, allegedly with administrative inaction enabling its violations.
The investigation provided compelling evidence, including videos, photographs, and audio testimonies, documenting illegal construction activities, reportedly involving the hotel’s official vehicles. Local residents and activists accused authorities of selective enforcement, noting that while small vendors faced stringent action, influential encroachers like Nedou’s Hotel operated with impunity.
Government’s Response
The GDA’s order mandates the immediate takeover of the property, with the District Magistrate Baramulla directed to deploy an Executive Magistrate and police personnel to ensure compliance within the 24-hourp deadline. This swift response marks a turning point in addressing long-standing allegations of administrative complicity and selective justice.
Community Reactions
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the eviction order but emphasized the need for sustained accountability. Advocate Ishaq Tajamul Mir, District Development Council member from Tangmarg, stated:
“This is a triumph for the rule of law and the people of Gulmarg. The administration must ensure full enforcement without delays or compromises.”
Abdul Karim Dar, a local resident, told The Public TV:
“We applaud this step, but it must be followed by accountability for those who enabled this encroachment for decades.”
Looking Ahead
The eviction of Nedou’s Hotel raises questions about the future of the reclaimed land. Options under consideration include transforming it into a public facility, preserving it as a heritage site, or leasing it through a transparent bidding process. As the 24-hour deadline approaches, all eyes are on the administration to execute the order effectively.
The Public TV remains committed to monitoring developments and providing accurate, unfiltered updates as this historic eviction unfolds.
For further inquiries, contact The Public TV newsroom.