State PCS - J & K (KAS)

• 07 Mar 2025

Ecotourism in J&K

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced new rules for Bangus, a remote tourist spot near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, to promote it as an ecotourism destination. 

 Key Points 

• Uncontrolled Construction in Popular Tourist Spots: 
  • The decision to develop Bangus as an ecotourism destination follows unchecked and unplanned construction in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. 
  • Authorities have observed rapid concrete expansion in these traditional tourist hubs, affecting the ecological balance. 
• Focus on Sustainable Development: 
  • The concerned department aims to prevent large-scale hotel and building constructions to maintain the region’s ecological balance. 
  • The approach prioritizes sustainable tourism while preserving the natural landscape. 
• Basic Amenities for Visitors: 
  • The government plans to create recreational spaces, rain shelters, public conveniences, signages, lighting, and waste disposal facilities. 
    • These developments aim to enhance visitor experience while minimizing environmental impact. 
  • Work on basic facilities will begin after the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, in consultation with the Forest Department, identifies suitable land parcels. 
    • Necessary permissions and clearances will be obtained through the Parivesh Portal for forest clearance before proceeding with construction. 
• Geographic and Strategic Importance: 
  • Bangus is located in Kupwara district near the Line of Control (LoC), approximately 100 km from Srinagar. 
  • It consists of two bowl-shaped valleys at an altitude of 10,000 feet. 
  • The region, once an infiltration route for militants, is now being promoted as a secure tourist destination. 
• Promoting Local Livelihoods: 
  • The J&K Tourism Department is registering paying guest houses to support local shepherds, nomads, and residents. 
  • This initiative seeks to preserve and promote the local culture, traditions, and cuisine while offering tourists an immersive experience. 

Line of Control  

  

• The Line of Control (LoC) emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the United Nations (UN) after the Kashmir War.  
• It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries.  
• LoC is demarcated up to the Siachen Glacier (Point NJ9842)- the world's highest battlefield.  
• LoC is delineated on a map signed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement. 

Business Rules for J&K

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister announced that the government had framed the Business Rules for the Union Territory (UT) administration and sent them to J&K Lieutenant Governor for the Centre’s final approval. 

 Key Points 

• Purpose and Significance: 
  • The Business Rules aim to prevent confusion regarding institutional dignity and respect. 
  • The CM emphasized the need to uphold the institution’s honor, expressing disappointment over the loss of J&K’s statehood. 
• Key Provisions of the Revised Business Rules: 
  • The revised rules outline the roles and authority of the Chief Minister, Cabinet, Ministers, and Administrative Secretaries. 
  • They specify that matters related to law and order, public order, and All India Services remain under the Lieutenant Governor’s jurisdiction. 
  • The amendments define the procedures for resolving disagreements between the Lieutenant Governor and the Council of Ministers or an individual Minister. 
• Context and Implementation: 
  • The J&K government took over four months to draft these rules as mandated by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. 
  • J&K became a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. 
    • The UT conducted its first Assembly elections in 2024. 

 Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 

• It divided Jammu and Kashmir into 2 Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. 
• It repealed Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir a unique status. 
• Leh and Kargil districts were included in the Union Territory of Ladakh, while the remaining areas became part of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Five Lok Sabha seats were retained by Jammu and Kashmir, and one was transferred to Ladakh. 
• Legislature: The seats in the Legislative Assembly will be reserved for tribal and scheduled caste people to keep the proportion intact of their population in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • The Lt. Governors can nominate two women members for the Assembly to represent women if women are not sufficiently represented to justify equality between men and women. 
  • The elected Legislative Assembly will be for 5 years, and the Lt. The Governor will summon the Assembly once every six months. 
  • The Legislative Assembly has the right to pass a law for any given part of the Union Territory of J&K related to any of the matters listed in the Indian Constitutions State's List except for the "Police" and "Public Order." 
  • Any matter specified in the Concurrent List will be applied to Indian Union Territories. Furthermore, Parliament will have the decision-making power to create laws for Jammu Kashmir and its Union Territory.