As per SC order, J&K govt. takes over iconic Nedou’s Hotel in Gulmarg

Under a tight security cover, the iconic and historic Nedou’s Hotel was “smoothly” taken over by the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) after evicting the Nedou’s family and their staff, running the place for the past 137 years, as per a Supreme Court order.

“It was a smooth transition. They [the Nedou’s family] cooperated well. The hotel structures and the huts have been sealed as per the court orders. The GDA has taken over everything, including the articles inside for now,” Tariq Hussain Naik, Chief Executive Officer, GDA, who oversaw the takeover, told The Hindu.

The GDA also made an inventory of the articles inside the structures, which include heritage furniture and artefacts. 

Before Independence, the picturesque hotel had been a popular holiday destination for Europeans and royalty.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Perched on a small hill in Gulmarg with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, the iconic Nedou’s Hotel was set up in 1888 by Michael Adam Nedou, a European who discovered Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Afterwards, it became a popular holiday destination for Europeans and royalty. After 1947, the hotel became a favourite haunt for politicians like Congress leader Indira Gandhi and Bollywood stars like Dilip Kumar. Several movies and songs were shot in and around the iconic wooden structure.  

At the time of eviction, officials said Omar K. Nedou, the great-grandson of Michael Nedou, and his wife Dilnawaz Nedou, who oversaw the Food and Beverage department, were present. Over 45 staff members also stood with the family members who worked for the hotel for several decades.  

The District Magistrate, Baramulla, provided adequate security personnel “to ensure the peaceful execution of the eviction process and maintenance of public order”.

After 1947, the hotel became a favourite haunt of politicians and Bollywood stars.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The Nedous were in possession of nearly 98 kanals and 11 marlas of government land. The family had earned multiple leases from the government from 1888 till 1985. However, the family, which is related to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, failed to renew the lease after its expiration in 1985. 

The Jammu and Kashmir government rejected the lease in February 2015. Later, the High Court too dismissed the hotel’s plea for lease renewal and declared it as an unauthorised occupant under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988. The Supreme Court also issued eviction orders against the Nedous.

“Nobody is above law,” CEO Mr. Naik said.

It is highly unlikely the family can apply for the property again because under the amended Land Grants Act rules 2022, the previous occupant cannot apply for the lease again.