Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Sep 26 :
After reclaiming the historic Nedous Hotel in August, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) on Friday took possession of the Royal Park Hotel after the expiry of its rent agreement.
Officials confirming the development informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the GDA-owned property (Royal Park) had been rented out to a local businessman several decades ago, but the lease period ended in June this year and was not renewed.
Following the lapse, the authority moved to reclaim the hotel to prevent any unauthorised occupation.
The takeover was carried out smoothly in the presence of officials to ensure a peaceful handover.
The action comes close on the heels of GDA’s high-profile eviction of the 137-year-old Nedous Hotel earlier on August 04, as part of a wider drive to retrieve government assets in Gulmarg whose leases have expired.
Authorities said the property will remain under the GDA’s control until a fresh decision is taken regarding its future use—(KNO)