Pahalgam is one of the most visited destinations in Kashmir. In last one decade, sensing opportunity in huge tourist rush, land mafia has vandalized this scenic spot by constructing huge concrete hotels in eco-sensitive areas. Freelance photojournalist Umer Mohamad Attar captures the mindless loot in his lens.
1. Despite ban on new construction in eco-sensitive Pahalgam, land mafia has moved deep into forests. (Pic) A row of huts constructed by a Srinagar based doctor in Gujraan Batkoot village in Pahalgam.
“This place used to be piece of heaven. But things have changed since last two years,” said Karim Khan, who spends summers in one of the kothas with his family and herds.
“Behind those tin sheets, around 50 structures of all sizes and shapes are in their final stage of construction,” said Mohammad Abdullah, 55, who is the deputy Sarpanch of the village.
“The pace with which this hotel was constructed is simply amazing. It was all green with corn crop two years back,” says Abdullah, who spends six months in a kotha – just opposite the hotel – with his herd of sheep.
Walnut Hill Resort was constructed in last two years despite High Court’s ban on new infrastructure in Pahalgam.
Before land mafia set its eyes on Gujraan Bhatkoot village, which is located on the outskirts of Pahalgam, natives lived naturally amidst nature.
A nomadic gujjar women sitting atop her kottah with illegal building fill the background.
A small signboard pinned on a pine tree directs visitors towards Walnut Hill Resort.
Despite High Court ban on new construction Hotel Pine Spring has managed to construct a huge commercial building.
Hotel Paradise Inn on Chandawari Road has resumed work despite it being an illegal structure.
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