In a landmark decision, Maharashtra is poised to become the first Indian state to purchase land in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to build a tourist facility for its residents. According to a recent report, this initiative marks the construction of the first-ever Maharashtra Bhawan in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, specifically in central Kashmir's Budgam district.

The Maharashtra Bhawan is slated to be built on 2.5 acres of land near Srinagar airport, precisely at Ichgam. The Jammu and Kashmir government has greenlit the transfer of this land to Maharashtra for a sum of Rs. 8.16 crore. This move comes after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's visit to the region in June last year, where he held discussions with Governor Manoj Sinha.

Prior to the revocation of Article 370, only permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir had the right to purchase land in the region. However, the government could lease land to industries and individuals from outside for a period of up to 99 years.

In a recent budget speech, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for the construction of two Maharashtra Bhawans, one in Srinagar and another in Ayodhya. These Bhawans aim to enhance facilities for tourists and devotees visiting these regions. The state government has earmarked Rs.77 crore for the construction of these facilities.

Meanwhile, parts of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall on Thursday, with the tourist hubs of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg receiving a fresh blanket of snow overnight. Additionally, areas like Gurez and other higher reaches of Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag districts also witnessed snowfall. Srinagar's upper areas along the Zabarwan Range received light snowfall, while the city and surrounding plain areas experienced intermittent rains throughout the night.

According to meteorological forecasts, Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness more spells of rain and snow from March 22-24, adding to the region's scenic beauty and attracting more tourists to its breathtaking landscapes.

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