Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has initiated a process to identify suitable land for the development of 5-star hotels across the region. This move aims to boost the tourism sector by providing high-end accommodation options for travellers.
District-level committees, headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners, have been formed to scout for potential locations. These committees will consider state land, forest land, and private land for the project.
The key factors for selecting a site include:
- Accessibility: The land should be easily reachable by tourists.
- Infrastructure: Availability of basic infrastructure like water, electricity, and road connectivity will be crucial.
- Feasibility: The committee will assess the overall feasibility of developing a 5-star hotel on the identified land.
The identified sites will be documented in a specific format, including details like land area, ownership type (khasra number), and distance from major tourist destinations.
On May 30, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced the constitution of District Level Committees for the identification of suitable land for the establishment of 5-star hotels in the Union Territory. This initiative, detailed in Government Order No.: 1116-3K(GAD) of 2024, “aims to enhance the hospitality sector and attract high-end tourists to the region.”
The committees, headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners, will include key officials such as the Director of Tourism, District Forest Officer (DFO), Chief Town Planner, Chief Executive Officer, and the General Manager of the District Industries Centre”. These committees are tasked with identifying land parcels that could be state-owned, forest land, or privately-owned, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for 5-star hotel development, including accessibility and infrastructure readiness,” read the order.
Committee Composition:
1. Deputy Commissioner concerned – Chairperson 2. Director Tourism concerned – Member 3. District Forest Officer (DFO) concerned – Member 4. Chief Town Planner concerned – Member 5. Chief Executive Officer concerned – Member 6. General Manager, District Industries Centre – Member
Terms of Reference:
The committees will identify land with potential for 5-star hotel development, considering factors like accessibility, existing infrastructure, and proximity to major tourist sites. They will compile their findings and submit proposals through the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to the Tourism Department. The proposals will include detailed site information such as village names, Khasra numbers, land areas, soil types, coordinates, land use as per the master plan, and road connectivity, the order added.