Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.

Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Alarm | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.


Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Fears | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Cold Wave Grips J&K: A severe cold wave has gripped Jammu & Kashmir, with Sonamarg in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district recording a minimum temperature of -7.3°C, leading to widespread chilly conditions across the region. Authorities have warned residents to stay warm and prepared for potential disruptions due to freezing temperatures, especially in higher-altitude areas where sub-zero conditions are common in December. 


Cold Wave Grips J&K: Sonamarg Hits -7.3°C, J&K Braces for Severe Cold Wave 

In India's Jammu and Kashmir, an avalanche hit a village in Bandipura district. Shocking visual caught on camera. Now according to the officials, no deaths have been reported so far.

Jammu and kashmir avalanche: Massive snow slide caught on camera goes viral

On Sunday, a part of the Thajwas glacier collapsed near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, leaving one person missing, while two tourists were rescued, according to officials.

An official told the Kashmir News Observer that the event occurred Sunday afternoon when tourists were enjoying the glacier's stunning beauty.

Official accounts state that three people fell as a consequence of the glacier collapse following which a local resident, two tourists, and the third person was found trapped in the debris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-polls-2024-bjp-returns-to-power-in-arunachal-pradesh-secures-46-out-of-60-seats-728034">Assembly Polls 2024: BJP storms back to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats</a>

“The tourists were rescued while the local is still missing. Search operation is underway to locate him,” he stated.

The official added that a rescue mission is underway to find the missing local. 
 
(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

On Sunday, a part of the Thajwas glacier collapsed near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, leaving one person missing, while two tourists were rescued, according to officials.

On Sunday, a part of the Thajwas glacier collapsed near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, leaving one person missing, while two tourists were rescued, according to officials. An official told the Kashmir News Observer that the event occurred Sunday afternoon when tourists were enjoying the glacier's stunning beauty. Official accounts state that three people fell as a consequence of the glacier collapse following which a local resident, two tourists, and the third person was found trapped in the debris. Also read: Assembly Polls 2024: BJP storms back to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats “The tourists were rescued while the local is still missing. Search operation is underway to locate him,” he stated. The official added that a rescue mission is underway to find the missing local. (With inputs from agencies)

Glacier collapse in Jammu and Kashmir leaves one missing; two tourists rescued

Two persons were killed after an avalanche hit Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Thursday. Watch this report to know more.

Avalanche hits Jammu and Kashmir, at least two killed

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