Despite a blanket ban on construction and strict repair guidelines mandated by the High Court, illegal developments have escalated over the past two years without required building permissions. Environmentalists and local stakeholders warn of catastrophic consequences akin to recent Himalayan disasters, noting that the destruction of green belts threatens virgin meadows, local flora and fauna, and glacial reserves.
Demands have emerged for an anti-corruption inquiry and suo motu High Court intervention to probe an alleged nexus of officials and influential builders. When questioned on the violations, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the tourism portfolio, evaded queries regarding the rampant concretisation in Pahalgam.