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Maharashtra acquires 2.5 acres for INR 8.16 crore in Jammu and Kashmir for Maharashtra Bhawan

PNT Reporter | Last Updated : 21st Mar, 2024
Synopsis

Maharashtra emerged as the first state to acquire 2.5 acres in Jammu and Kashmir for a tourist and official facility, the Maharashtra Bhawan, sanctioned by the Maharashtra Cabinet. The land purchase, totaling INR 8.16 crore, near Srinagar Airport, signifies a significant move post the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar allocated INR 77 crore for this and another Bhawan in Ayodhya, emphasizing superior facilities for tourists and devotees. The initiative aims to offer comfortable accommodations, signaling a departure from previous land ownership regulations in the region, and highlighting Maharashtra's commitment to development beyond its borders.

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Maharashtra emerged as the pioneer state to acquire land in Jammu and Kashmir for the establishment of a tourist and official facility in the Union Territory. The proposed Maharashtra Bhawan, first of its kind in the Valley, is set to grace central Kashmir's Budgam region, strategically positioned on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

This ambitious project received the green light from the Maharashtra cabinet, which sanctioned the land purchase on Wednesday. The selected plot spans 2.5 acres in Ichgam, close to Srinagar airport. The Jammu and Kashmir administration have consented to the transfer of land to the Maharashtra government, contingent upon a payment of INR 8.16 crore.

A note from the Revenue department elaborated on the transfer of Shamlat Deh land measuring 20 kanals at Ichgam Budgam in favor of Maharashtra state. The transaction value stands at INR 8.16 crore, translating to INR 40.8 lakh per kanal, designated for the construction of Maharashtra Bhawan.

The initiative to acquire land and erect a tourist facility gained momentum following a visit by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to Jammu and Kashmir, where he held discussions with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in June of the previous year.

The facility aims to offer comfortable accommodations and amenities catering to tourists and officials from Maharashtra. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also serves as the finance minister, highlighted this project in his budget speech, underscoring the government's commitment to construct two Maharashtra Bhawans in Srinagar and Ayodhya. These establishments aim to provide superior and secure facilities to the state's tourists and devotees at reasonable rates. A budget allocation of INR 77 crore has been earmarked for the construction of these state guesthouses.

The move to purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir for construction purposes marks a significant departure, especially in light of the changes brought about by the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019. Previously, only permanent residents could acquire land in the region, with the government having the authority to lease land to industries and non-residents for extended periods, up to 99 years.

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