Srinagar In a major development that has sent shockwaves among Gulmarg’s leaseholders, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has directed the immediate eviction and takeover of the iconic Nedous Hotel, citing its unauthorised occupation after the expiry of its lease in 1985.
Acting on judicial directions, GDA CEO issued a formal communication (No. CEO/GDA/1621-25, dated August 1, 2025) to the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, ordering the hotel’s eviction within 24 hours and the transfer of possession to GDA. The move is supported by SO 18 of 2025 and a Tourism Department letter (TSM/Legal/15/2018), which authorise the Assistant Director Tourism as Estate Officer under the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988 for tourism properties in north Kashmir.
“The possession of Hotel Nedous, including its appurtenant land, currently under unauthorised occupation, must be taken over without delay and formally handed over to GDA,” the order stated.
Court orders
The eviction follows the dismissal of Special Leave Petition No. 28599/2018 by the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir’s order dated September 6, 2018 (OWP No. 847/2015), which upheld the government’s 2015 decision rejecting the hotel’s lease renewal request.
Authorities confirmed that the lease for 98 kanal and 11 marlas of government land held by the Nedous family expired in 1985 and was never renewed. Legal proceedings under the J&K Public Premises Act declared the family’s continued possession illegal.
The District Magistrate, Baramulla, has been requested to deploy a magistrate and police personnel to ensure the eviction is carried out peacefully and in accordance with law.
Heritage property With historical ties
Hotel Nedous, established in 1888 by Michael Adam Nedou, is one of Gulmarg’s oldest heritage properties, once serving as a summer retreat for European elites and royals. The hotel’s history is deeply intertwined with Kashmir’s political legacy: Michael Nedou’s grandson Akbar Jahan, daughter of Harry Nedou and Mir Jaan of Gulmarg, later married Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference.
The property remained in the family for over a century until the lease expiration triggered the long legal battle that culminated in today’s eviction directive.
Impact on Gulmarg’s leaseholders
The unprecedented move has created anxiety among other Gulmarg leaseholders, many of whom are facing similar lease expiry issues. Officials said the GDA intends to enforce legal compliance and reclaim public land wherever leases have lapsed.
