Profile

At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheeshnag lake, Pahalgam is said to have derived its name from two words “Pahel” meaning shepherd and “Gam” meaning village, collectively representing abode of shepherds. Pahalgam being Kashmir’s premier health resort, cool even during heat of summer and a tourist destination in itself meeting the variegated demands of all lovers of nature, sublime beauty and adventure, is flooded with tourists within an average inflow of about 8-10 lac tourists per Annum. Apart from pilgrimage to Amarnath, Pahalgam is generally a favorite summer holiday spot for both local and foreign tourists. Pahalgam has always been a favourite place to Bollywood industry for film making with some renowned movies being shot in the vicinity of Pahalgam. The influence has been so much that many places were named after the movies or characters in movies. Having a bedded capacity of around 10,000 beds both high end as well as budgeted accommodations are available in Pahalgam. Pahalgam is located at a distance of about 96 Kms from Srinagar and 42 Kms from District Headquarter Anantnag, Pahalgam is well connected with other Districts of Kashmir and National Highway which connects the Kashmir valley with rest of India.

History - Background

The first planning effort was made during 1940s, the last decade of Monarchy in Jammu and Kashmir. A Town Planning Scheme was published on July 15, 1943 under Jammu and Kashmir Town Planning Act 1997. The Town Planning Scheme for Pahalgam was prepared initially under the supervision of Mr. Killer who was a Town Planner. Sir Gopal swami Iyyanger then Prime Minister took special interest in Pahalgam development ordering that the buildings in the open valley should not be allowed. The people who purchased land in the open valley for the construction purposes were proposed to be given land in exchange in the forest fringe and on gentle slopes and a circuit road was proposed to be constructed around the Valley. Mr Killer laid out the plots but plots were dislocated by the Forest Motor Road hence Mr. D. N. Dhar, the Town Planner was deputed by the Government for the laying out the plots.

Second known effort was made wayback in 1971 when State engaged the services of Mr. T. J. Manickam and Associates for the preparation of comprehensive Eastern Regional Plan including the Master Plan for Pahalgam. The plan became the basis for Action Plan later adopted by the Government for implementation. The limits were confined to bowl from SarabalNallah to SadawPadav and notified under Town Planning Act. Resort limits were subsequently notified under J&K Development Act 1970 and approved vide SRO 251-UD of 1977 dated 7.11.1977.