Building the future of Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addresses a rally in Srinagar on September 28, 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The two conversations about the Himalayas are happening simultaneously and do not coincide. All agree that mountain towns are hitting their limits in various ways, springs are drying up, lakes are choking and hillsides are receding. No mountain town should approve a large structure before measuring what it can handle. However, the development model runs in parallel. Recent notifications and bills in Jammu and Kashmir facilitate construction of more on more land. Srinagar is impressed by this.

Let’s start with a simple idea. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) determines how much floor space can be built on a lot. On a plot of 100 square meters, FAR 200% allows for 200 square meters of floor area. When the number increases, the same lot has to fit more people, cars, toilets, sewers, etc. During the nine months, the rules changed repeatedly. The building regulations were amended on 1 December 2025. On 24 July 2026, they were extended to Housing Board colonies, with additional FARs and reduced setbacks. On September 9, new limits were proposed, including a FAR of 300% for commercial complexes. On September 28, the Ease of Doing Business Bill of 2026 was introduced. In the first week of October, the governor gave his assent and the bill became law.

Published – November 10, 2026 0:52 AM IST