Saving Dal His Way

Mir Niyaz is all set to exhibit his posters on Dal preservation writes Mohamad Yousuf

For its preservation and conservation, Dal Lake has remained focusing image for all of us. People from all walks of life have been trying their utmost to preserve this perishing jewel by using different ways and means for long.

Not only cleaning it physically but many other methods were applied by conscious people to create awareness among masses about the preservation of this God gifted water body for the posterity. For its safeguard several seminars, conferences, road shows, Marathon races, awareness programs and cleaning drives were conducted at organizational and individual levels by We The Srinagarites in the recent past. The first-ever Half Marathon was appreciatively organized in 2004 by the Highland Excursions Pvt. Ltd. under the supervision of a local environment activist, Mr. Rauf Tramboo, all along the Boulevard in which more than 500 locals of all age groups and different status took part. To aware people about the effects of water pollution different types of programs were also launched by various organizations like Kashmir University, Private Schools Association, Scouts and Guides, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization, Kashmir Rafting Operators Association, SMC and Tourism Department etc.Not only the athletes, environmentalists, academicians, social workers and writers are contributing one or the other way to aware people about rising pollution in our water bodies but a famous artist, Mir Niyaz Ahmad has also come forward to contribute his bit by exhibiting his pain giving posters. Niyaz is working as technical officer in the Public Relations Cell, Kashmir University. He has conducted several solo painting exhibitions on different themes in the past. But today he has come up with an appealing theme “Save Dal Lake-Save Posterity”. After exploring every nook and corner of Nigeen and Dal Lakes, Niyaz has so far drawn nearly 350 paintings with touching messages. In his each creativity he appeals the masses help save water bodies. His visual messages and warnings could be very effective on masses. Niyaz has put lot of efforts on this project and has visualized the destruction of Dal and Nigeen lakes. His cherished desire is to take his creations to the hearts of ‘We The Srinagarites’. He is all set to display his valued posters in every busy street in the densely populated up town and down town areas, Schools Colleges and Universities of Srinagar.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 4th April, 2011

Do They Really Count

Widely publicized “International Year of Youth” could not help Kashmir’s young denizens to develop and prosper, instead were put to more trouble and high exploitation in the year 2010 writes Muhammad Yusuf.

The year 2010 was declared as International Year of Youth by United Nations Organization (UNO) at its General Assembly, held in August last year in an effort to harness the initiative, energy and imagination of the world’s young denizens in overcoming the challenges facing humanity today.

It was felt that like all other youths of the globe there will be effective participation of Kashmiri youth in all aspects of the society. There was hope that organizations involved in the development of youth such as Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, J&K Youth Services and Sports, J&K Social Welfare Department, lower and higher educational institutions and the NGO’s would come forward and encourage all sectors of society to work in partnership with youth to better understand their needs and concerns and to recognize the contributions that they can make to the society.

The General Assembly had called on the Governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event. The year was aimed at to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, prosperity, respect of human rights, freedom and solidarity.

The scheme also had the background of encouraging world youth to dedicate themselves for fostering progress, remove social evils, saving environment and ecology, ranging from extreme poverty and hunger to maternal and infant mortality to lack of access to education and health care.

The Kashmiri youth is in dilemma today. He has no goal in life to achieve because of the situation he is caught in. He is trapped by unemployment, poverty and many social disturbances all around. He has no escape from political garoa even. They were forced to Celebrate the International Youth Year in very unique way during summer 2010. He was caught in conflicts in which more than 120 youth got killed and hundreds were injured. Many are still lying in the jails. Nobody bothered for their rehabilitation and development. Many could not appear in their examinations thus spoiled their career which will have devastating replications in near future.

The growing unemployment has virtually broken the backbone of our youth. They do not earn lively hood and have become dependent to their parents. A boy of 37 years or more is not able to support financially his elderly parent. He is not even able to marry at proper age and which has thus given birth to so many social evils in the valley today. The diseases like depression, anxiety, heart diseases and hypertension are becoming increasing common among our youth now.

The response towards celebrating the Youth Year from NGOs and youth related Government Organizations, particularly J&K Youth Services Department remained poor. There was hope that all these organizations would come forward and arrange a stage for celebrating the year in a big way by arranging seminars on different issues of the youth, symposiums, cultural exchange, sporting events and exhibitions etc. The J&K Youth Services and Sports Department has a role in the youth affairs but unfortunately the department is confined to sporting events alone. One will never find any program on development of youth in the annual calendar of this Department.

The youth was in fact exploited by many in many ways. At the start of the youth year some organizations/institutions decided to facilitate and encourage the youth to celebrate the year 2010 in a very big way but at the end of the celebration year all their declarations proved biased, false and fruitless. Surprisingly two main wings such as Directorate of Distance Education and Directorate of Long Learning of the apex educational institution, the University of Kashmir, announced in public to celebrate the year by conducting different adventurous, cultural and recreational activities for their students pursuing education in these two departments. The Honb’l Vice-Chancellor very happily approved their projects. Lacs of rupees were sanctioned to Distance Education Department for these ambitious programs. Much publicity was given in the media merely to highlight the self by the heads of these two departments of the University but astonishingly none of the activity was virtually conducted later. The Marathon race, organized by the Distance Education was total failure.

Participation in adventure like activities could certainly help students in many ways. It is admitted fact that adventure develops courage, coordination, camaraderie, companionship and cooperation like personality traits. It could facilitate them to get out of the bustle of the city and have interaction with the people of different ethnic and cultural communities, living in the mountainous areas of the state. It is admitted fact that these recreational activities are vital part of one’s all round development and an important area of man’s cultural heritage. There is no other thought that a sport is a science of outdoors where a person is exposed to the hardships of life. Sport is important component and integral part of general education. Without it educational system is incomplete.

It is admitted fact that as much importance is attached to studies as to life outdoors. It is a way of living, acting and thinking together with a fraternity of people. It brings about complete mental, emotional and spiritual integration. Society makes relationship superficial; mountaineering deepens them because “shared adversity has a lot to do. Adventure makes youth resourceful and teaches them to face difficulties. It is not only a source of thrill, excitement and joy but it also provides a valuable opportunity for developing such traits so as to prepare youngsters for facing challenges against all odds confidently. This provides a creative and happy outlet for the abundant energy, enthusiasm and imagination of the youth. Appreciatively outdoor pursuits create and foster amongst them a spirit of risk-taking, cooperative team work, the capacity to ready and vital response to challenging situations and of endurance. This will also provide a creative and happy outlet for the abundant energy, enthusiasm and imagination of the youth.

It is highly appreciating that with a view to celebrate the International Year of Youth the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Kashmir University organized several adventure based activities at Drass, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and river Chenab Jammu which include Paragliding, Rock-Climbing, River Rafting and Trekking for male and female students of Colleges and Post-Graduate Departments. The cultural exchange with different ethnic groups were also organized by them. It helped youth to recreate themselves.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 23rd March, 2011

His Head Over Clouds

Naseer Mir, the living mountaineering legend, is encouraging and helping youth to take up to extreme sports, writes Muhammad Yusuf

Participating in two Pre-Everest selection camps, reaching the summit of Mt. Kangyassy, one of the Ladakh’s highest mountains and being a member on Indo-French Sasar-Kangri climbing expedition-1986 (Siachen region) is an achievement not many can claim.

One of ‘the few’ is Naseer Ahmad Mir, now in-charge of Adventure Wing in the Department of Tourism, Kashmir. Naseer, who was born in Habba Kadal area of Srinagar city is a fully-qualified mountaineering and skiing instructor. As a member of the J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club, he undertook five years of training before gaining his qualifications.

He was inspired to adventure in his very tender age. During early schooling he used to go for bush walking and mild hiking. After joining S.P. College Naseer started serious climbing. In the year 1974 he along with some of his friends set up a Climbing Club in the name of Kashmir Youngman’s Mountaineering and Trekking Club with its office in densely populated Habba Kadal in Srinagar.

With the passage of time he came across a great adventurer, promoter and motivator of his time, Mr. M. Ashraf, Ex-Director General Tourism who arranged his basic and advanced training in mountaineering at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering ,Utterkashi through his Club , the J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club (JKMHC), in mid seventies. After finding more opportunities in JKMHC Nasir and his team merged their club with JKMHC. Mr. M. Ashraf encouraged many other enthusiasts, including this writer, to adventure sports. With the inclusion of young and more enthusiastic new members the JKMHC was infused a fresh blood by these youngsters, which had remained defunct for a long period. The Club President, Mr. Ashraf managed training of more than 10 other enthusiasts at different Mountaineering and Skiing Institutes of the country during that period.

With a view to acquaint trained youth to adventure tourism and to give them more exposure Mr. Ashraf arranged their deputation as Liaison Officers with foreign Mountaineering Expeditions through Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi (IMF). Among others, Naseer also got the opportunity to accompany many such foreign expeditions, undertaken in J and K State from time to time. During a British Expedition in 1981 he climbed three un-named peaks near Mount Kangyassy region in Ladakh, with the height ranging between 5,900 to 6,200 Mtrs. He later participated and led scores of major climbing expeditions in Kashmir, Ladakh, Zanaskar, Kishtwar and Garhwal Himalayas etc. He is lucky to have climbed Mount Kolahoi, the highest peak in Kashmir, five times. He then climbed Mt. Kangyassy, Mt. Harmukh, Mt. Gulap-Kangri and Mt. Stock-Kangri. Not only this, the fearless, brave and prudent mountaineer, climbed a virgin un-named, 6150 mtrs high, peak in Garhwal Himalayas and has participated in an Indo-French Sasar Kangri Expedition in the year 1986. His ascent to White Needle (Zanaskar massif), jointly organized by the Union of International Alpine Association (UIAA) and IMF, the controlling bodies of mountaineering in the world and in India respectively, was one of the highlights of his long mountaineering career.

Great credit goes to Mr. M. Ashraf for arranging training of hundreds of local youth to adventure sports. He has in fact sowed the seed of adventure in many organizations and institutions in the state. After graduating different adventure courses he helped them to seek jobs as Instructors/Guides in Youth Services, Tourism Department and Kashmir University etc with the motive to facilitate these organizations to train the youth at grass root level. He undoubtedly succeeded in his plan. Today thousands of youth are being trained to adventure by these veterans.

On the basis of his achievements the IMF selected Naseer for Pre-Everest Camp (selection trials) held in Garhwal Himalayas in 1982. During this camp he climbed Mt. Gangotri-I and was recommended for final Everest selection camp held in the consecutive year. During this camp Naseer attempted Mt. Mana Parvat and reached up to the height of 24,000 feet. Though he performed extremely well there but was dropped by IMF in the final team of 1984 Everest Expedition due to unknown reasons under mysterious circumstances and this lone Kashmiri climber lost the opportunity of reaching the world’s highest place, the Mount Everest, forever. Entire mountaineering community of the valley was shocked for his dropping. This is highly appreciating that Naseer has reached up to the height of 25,000 feet during his climbing career and has extensively trekked in entire J&K and Garhwal Himalayas. He has played a pivotal role in exploring many virgin areas in the state.

Mountaineering did not quench his thirst so he started learning other adventure sports especially snow skiing at Gulmarg during late seventies. Later he joined the J&K Youth Services and Sports Department as an Instructor with the aim to teach ski and mountaineering to youngsters in the schools. But unfortunately his services were not properly utilized by his parent department so he preferred to join the Tourism Department where Mr. M. Ashraf lured him that a separate Outward Bound School would be started in his Department for which the services of ace skiers, climbers and rafters etc. were required. He has very ably trained thousands of people to skiing and mountaineering in various remote and far-flung areas of the state

He is environment and ecology conscious as well. To safeguard our mountains and high valleys from pollution and environmental degradation he has led several mountain cleaning expeditions in Ladakh and Kashmir, organized by the JKMHC and sponsored by IMF from time to time. His teams removed tones of garbage from sensitive mountainous areas.

Naseer is presently working as in-charge of adventure wing in the Tourism Department. The present Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Shah, being a dynamic and an innovative person, is fully and properly utilizing his services for the growth and development of adventure tourism in Kashmir. Many new adventure activities such as rafting, snow cycling, snow rugby and snow baseball etc. have been included in the tourism calendar by the Tourism Department for last some years, which not only encouraged the youth to adventure but also helped reviving adventure tourism in the state. Pertinently Naseer has played an instrumental role in holding 2 state and 2 International levels Rafting Championships in his department. He plans and designs new adventure tourism products those are later very efficiently implemented by his Director, Mr. Shah. He suggests rules and regulations for adventure tourism products those are viable for operating on commercial lines by the tourism players.

We fervently hope that this legend continues to encourage youth to climbing as it is very beneficial for today’s youth. It makes them resourceful and teaches to face difficulties. It brings about the complete mental, emotional and spiritual integration. It is a unique sport that teaches self-discipline and strengthens one’s faith and determination. It is a way of acting, thanking and living together with a fraternity of people who seek high adventure in the high places. There are lots who dream of adventure Naseer has to help some to realize their dreams.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 26th Feb, 2011

Let's Pledge To Make Srinagar Greener

By Mohamad Yousuf

Did you ever think why metropolitan capital, the New Delhi looks greener than Srinagar? This is despite of the fact that our city in the picturesque valley was expected to have been much greener. Well, we need to ponder over the issue. We need to think green. Read on…

Earth is called blue planet, but ‘His Mighty Allah’ has given it green effect because almost 99% of grass, trees, plants and vegetables are green. Every color has a certain effect on human emotions. The green color gives the effect of safety, spring and fertility etc . Appreciatively many countries have opted, partially or fully, green as a color for their national flags, which depicts that green is more important for mankind than any other. (deleted in paper)

Today, the cultured societies like to grow greenery not only in their lawns but in their surrounds as well. Pertinently those who do not have space for developing gardens in their homes are growing miniature plants in the pots that shows how much love they are having towards the nature.

Amazingly, in Japan, most of the houses do not have widely opening doors like we have in Kashmir. They preferably fix the sliding doors in their houses merely to save space for installing maximum number of indoor plants at such available space.

To give fascinating view of their green compounds, the residents in Delhi are not allowed to raise their compound walling more than 5.6 feet high but contrary to it, most of the people in Srinagar raise jail like high walls. The Srinagar Municipality Corporation will have to discourage this trend, particularly to those houses situated at roadsides.

The sense of growing greenery in their homes is increasingly developing among ‘We the Srinagarites’ as well. One can find hundreds of flower vendors at Residency Road near Biscoe School and Batamaloo Bus Station in Spring and Autumn seasons. Some are seen selling seeds and seedlings even in off seasons. They sell different kinds of shrubs, flowing and vegetable seedlings, fruit and flowering plants and different kinds of bulbs like lilies, Cana, gladiolus etc, at such places.

During springs thousands of nature lovers, farmers and cultivators are seen buying the green material from them. They make a good business during this period. Their lot is not only sold to Srinagarites but scores of people from Ladakh and other districts come here to buy green material of their choice. It has in fact become a industry now and is providing employment to thousands of people but it is saddening that these poor people are not provided space by the Government at City Centre to sell their products comfortably. They are bound to lay their stalls on busy foot paths. They are not able to fix canopy to hide the delicate seedlings from rains and scorching heat which sometime cause them heavy losses. On the other hand the S.M.C officials are always raiding them and throwing away tiny live seedlings. Astonishingly killing dogs are banned in Srinagar but killing the seedlings, which too have life, has no meaning for S.M.C. It should have been the responsibility of Gardens and Parks, Social Forestry and Environment Department to take these venders under their broad wings and arrange space for them at suitable place for the sale of their products which could help ‘Go Srinagar Green’ and may help eradicate the name of ‘dirtiest city’. Plantation season is starting from second week of February so the immediate action is solicited. It is a social service.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 8th Feb, 2011

University Aquatic Park In The Offing

Making effort to develop first-ever eco-friendly Aquatic Park at its Mirza Bagh campus for amusement and recreational purposes by Kashmir University is highly laudable and admirable, writes Mohamad Yousuf.

 

Srinagar is known as “City of Lakes” worldwide. It has number of water bodies which include Nigeen Lake, Dal Lake and sick Anchar Lake with river Jhelum majestically running its entire length. But ‘unfortunately’ we could not make full use of these water treasures, accept growing vegetables in the lakes and achieving electricity benefits from Jhelum. We could in-fact, besides it, derive many other benefits from them. From social point of view it could give abundant “recreation and amusement” to our children, youth and elderly denizens .

Recreation:

Recreation is undoubtedly an important factor in the human development. It refreshes one’s body, mind and soul after pretty hectic workload or studies. It is amusement that gives pleasure or relaxation to a fatigued mind and helps to use leisure intelligently and profitably. Recreational activities of different kind help develop coordination, confidence, courage and competence like personality traits. Recreational activities could be conducted on land, water, air and snow etc. Though we have water in abundance in Kashmir but not a single integrated water borne recreational place is created anywhere here. We have number of terrestrial amusement parks at many places in Kashmir but none in the water. The idea conceived by Kashmir University of developing one such park is highly appreciable and adorable.

University campus:

University of Kashmir is situated amidst of two world famous perennial lakes, Dal and Nigeen, located at 34:08:01 N, 74:50:09 E (mean) on the altitude 5236 ft. On its eastern side there is a close magnificent view of Zabarvan range with towering Mount Mahadev in the backdrop. In the distant horizon of its western side one can have glimpse of Pirpanjal range including Mount Apharwat and on the northern side Ganderbal hills are visible. While, on its southern side one can also catch the sight of famous Shankracharya temple and historic Mughal fort atop Koh-i-Maran hillock. Hazratbal Shrine is in its close vicinity. The tall minars of which are overlooking the main University campus. Amazingly there are 696 closely planted huge majestic Chinars on its Naseem Bagh Campus. All these elegant features make it one of the most beautiful Universities of the country.

Three University campuses i.e. main campus, Naseem Bagh and Mirza Bagh, are sprawling over 106 hectares of land, out of which 53 hectares are developed for Park and Gardens, while 8 hectares are under development and the remaining 45 hectors are under consideration.

Mirza Bagh Campus:

At Mirza Bagh campus the University has developed “University Model Town” where number of flats and quarters are constructed for its teaching and non teaching staff. Being situated on the foreshore of north-eastern edge of Nigeen Lake it has high potential of becoming aquatic hub for tourists.

The University has nearly 14 hectares of waste land adjacent to Nigeen banks. This portion of land has perhaps remained unnoticed and unfocused by earlier University authorities. But appreciatively, the present administrators of the University particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Reyaz Punjabi and Registrar, Prof. S. Fayaz are very keen to develop this waste land into eco-friendly Lakeside Park and convert its coastal area into an Aquatic Park. The proposed Aquatic Park would be first of its kind in the valley and will certainly be a novel gift to the entire society, if brought into existence.

But for converting this waste land into Aquatic Park the University is perhaps facing hurdles from some house boat owners who are mooring their boats on foreshore area of University land, which has not only blocked the view of the lake but does not permit University Sports Department to promote water sports in Nigeen. The shanty structures, raised illegally here, give an ugly look of the entire area. The Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority, Tourism Department and Srinagar Municipal Corporation have a big role in rehabilitating them and providing them suitable location for mooring their boots. It may not be possible for the University to compensate them because of its limited resources.

Aquatic Park:

Aquatic Park is nothing but a recreational or amusement park where there is facility for different water based activities. Keeping in view the location of its Mirza Bagh campus, the University is all set to develop first-ever Aquatic Park here. They are planning to remove the shanty structures, raised close to the lake and clear the view of the lake in first instance. A Committee has been constituted to suggest measures for developing the landscape and introducing different aquatic activities. The Committee is in close touch with LAWDA, Tourism Department and other stakeholders. The park has tremendous scope to introduce different recreational and competitive aquatic sports such as kayaking, canoeing, canoe polo, rowing, dragon boating, Jet skiing, aqua-parasailing, hydro zorbing, water trampoline, surfing and water skiing etc here. For children small rubberized swimming pool, tubing, swan boating, paddle boating, banana boating, and inflatable rafts etc. could be installed in the park to attract families to seek wonderful pleasure and great fun with their children. Not only the aquatic activities the University must install a health gym, artificial rock wall, low height bungee jumping, land trampoline and some environmentally suited food courts here as well, which will be additional attraction for intended tourists. This will give Nigeen a new look and will appear like an aquatic play ground.

The nicely illuminated park would certainly attract scores of locals and tourists here. The University should keep the park open for general public and for its maintenance they may charge entry fee to the visitors as is done by J&K Bank at Pahalgam Amusement Park and Iqbal Park in Srinagar etc. This could generate lot of revenue for the ‘highest seat of learning’.

Contribution of University:

Pertinently Kashmir University has played a pioneering role in highlighting the potential of water sports in Nigeen Lake. The University conducted two major All India Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championships for men and women here in 2007 and 2009 and has won laurels from time to time. For this purpose the University has procured 24 sophisticated modern fiberglass Kayaks and Canoes worth lacs of rupees. It is considered one of the major facility centers for such sports in the country. The University must now grab the opportunity of introducing the fascinating and scintillating rowing here.

Local Support:

The local inhabitants, particularly the house boat owners and other tourism players, must come forward and help University in developing this ambitious park. The water based activities would help Nigeen not only to keep it clean from pollution but will attract scores of tourists here. The disturbed water would aerate the stagnant waters and thus give it new life. Pertinently the University Lake Club has always been party to Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization in creating awareness among masses about pollution and environmental degradation of Nigeen.

Notably Water Skiing was introduced in Kashmir during British Raj. It is not much popular in other parts of India and should be thus recognized as a heritage sport. The INTACH must also play its role to protect this unique and historic sport. On the lines of Colorado Water Ski Park the Tourism Department must encourage one such park in Nigeen Lake in partnership with Kashmir University.

The Tourism Department has undoubtedly played a significant role in developing many parks and gardens all around the Nigeen Lake. Credit also goes to them for rebuilding the Rustum Garhi complex and developing Peer Zoo and Zabarvan parks efficiently. They also have decorated some important Squares (Chowks) at different places in the city. Installing street lights all along the Jhelum banks gave aesthetic look to the river. Restoration of Pokhribal has added charm to the calm and scenic Nigeen Lake. It is now time for them to help the University in developing the proposed Aquatic Park. They must adapt this park as they did in the case of renovating the Food Street near KMD bus station and Lal Chowk Park etc. Other organizations like LAWDA, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization, Nigeen House Boat Owners Association, J&K Bank, tourism players and other business houses must also help University in fulfilling its cherished dream of developing the proposed Aquatic Park. The LAWDA must deploy its man and machinery for removing the coarse grass, brackens, weeds and moss from the lake near University land.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 15th January, 2011

Adventures Behind Zoji-La

Drass is an adventure tourist destination that demands immediate attention. Is LAHDC listening? Writes Muhammad Yusuf.
 

Just behind Zoji-La, 3530 meters, with perennial waters, long living glaciers and nestled in lofty snow clad mountains, lies yet another Himalayan valley, called Drass, 3230 meters above sea level. It is locally called Bari Humass which literally means “The Big House”. It is considered the “capital of Dard-Shina tribe” in India. The bleak, barren and naked mountain scenery is typical here. It is a place where wild beauty greets the adventurers. Drass lies on Kashmir-Ladakh national highway, 150 Kms away from Srinagar and 57 Kms before Kargil, located at 34.27 N and 75.77 E.

  

“Drass could offer a host of variety of adventure tourism products like Wild Water Sports, Climbing and trekking, Aero sports, Archery, Horse Polo, Winter Sports, Snow Cycling, Baseball and Rugby, Sport Angling, Scree Running and Orienteering etc.”

Drass was known to people just because of its distinction of being the second coldest inhabited place in the world but its other peculiarities in the area of tourism are not perhaps known to many. It is in fact a fascinating and challenging destination for adventure tourism which offer all kinds of tourism related terrestrial, aquatic and aero sports outdoor pursuits.

It is very rich in cultural heritage. Pilgrimage tourism is also gaining popularity here. The Dropati Kund, Buddhist statues of Maitreya and Avalokiteshvara, Bhimbat’s stone, Imambara and Ningoor Mosque of Baba Abdullah Mastan are important religious attractions. Similarly Tiger Hill, Mushko, Tololing are important war sites.

But unfortunately it has remained out of focus of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Kargil Development Authority. The adventure tourism potential has not been fully explored and exploited. Govt. has a role to provide basic tourism infrastructure here. KDA must explore tourism opportunities and formulate comprehensive tourism plan for this neglected area with special focus on

 adventure tourism. They must provide adequate training to the local youth which could generate employment avenues for them in tourism sector. Better would have been if a separate Development Authority is allotted to Drass as the Kargil seems to have dominated Drass. Astonishingly 90% of Indo-Pak war was fought in Drass but Kargil earned the fame and took maximum benefits of it.

Unbelievingly Drass recorded lowest temperature on 9th January 1995 when it dropped to -60 *C. After Kargil War in June 1999 it gained more importance when Pakistan raided India and India tested its Bofor Battery against Pakistan for the first time in this conflict. The Kargil War Memorial is a recent attraction for domestic tourists in Drass.

I remember, just three decades back Drass was a small village with less number of mud houses and less population belonging to Dard-Shina community but today it has become one of the largest and highly populated towns of Kargil district. More than 30 villages have come up during this period with pacca and concrete buildings everywhere.

The Forest Department is doing yeomen’s job by giving vegetation cover to barren hilly areas here. Three types of trees are commonly grown. The leaves of Malchang (Willow) are used as feed for cattle, while other kind of willow, Brokchang is used for timber. The poplar (Belpa in Balti and Fress in Shina and Kashmiri) is also grown here. The Palang bushes make the area green. Wheat, barley, pulses and peas are cultivated on vast fertile agricultural land. As compared to their fellow communities in Sonamarg, Tulail and Gurez etc the people living here are comparatively prosperous and more progressive.

 

It is laudable that with the multipurpose aims and objectives, particularly celebrating the “International Year of Youth-2010” by the students, to make reconnaissance and to study the potential of adventure tourism in Drass the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, University of Kashmir recently sent a 30 member adventure expedition to this bleak Himalayan valley under the overall supervision of its Director, Prof. N.A Rather, led by this writer. After the success of Gurez exploration some years back it was novel idea of the University to explore Drass.

Kashmir University is perhaps first Institution that has paddled down the treacherous waters of river Drass. Being the first wild water activity in the town hundreds of local children and youth rushed to us and desired to take a pleasure ride with us. River Drass, nearly 70 Kms long, offer medium graded but exciting rafting. At certain places it turns wild and turbulent. The Tourism Department should try a State or National level Rafting Championship on this river next year so as to pave way for introducing rafting here. It has obviously tremendous potential for commercial rafting and has some ideal stretches for training youth. River Drass actually originates from Machoi Glacier at Gumry and after joining river Shingo (flowing from PaK) at Kaksar it finally joins Suru at Hondurman, 5 Kms before Kargil and flows down to PaK. Its main tributaries are Spangla, Matayan, Mushko and ALC nallahs, Marpo-cho, and Watakol etc.

The bowl shaped Drass is surrounded by towering peaks all around. It has high scope for climbing and trekking as well. The rock is igneous of the Punjab volcanic series. The summits are yellow and grey and dolomitic in appearance but utterly fragile and more resembling the scenery of Sonamarg. Rock faces and cliffs are in abundance here where Rock-Climbing training camps and championships could be organized for the youth. Machoi glacier offers great ice-crafting. It is also ideal for summer skiing. The Kargil Battle School has identified a rock-climbing area where they regularly train the soldiers to rock-climbing, while the High Altitude Warfare School is conducting Ice-Crafting on Machoi glacier.

There is immense possibility of undertaking short, long, low and high altitude treks here. A trek from Drass to Sankoo, Kashmir via Amarnath and Gurez via Mushko valley could be fascinating for trekkers. The famous Tiger Hill and Three Pimples peaks etc. offer great challenge for serious climbing. The University explored the possibility of holding climbing activities in the area in near future. It would certainly help inculcate and encourage a spirit of climbing among youth. The University team tried its best to trek into Tulail via Mushko valley but were not permitted by the army to move beyond Mushko village, though they had earlier requested the local Brigadier. Surprisingly after some days the Minister for Forests and MLA Gurez managed to cross into Mushko valley from Tulail which caused anguish among University explorers. A mountain biking trip from Srinagar to Drass via Gurez, Tulail, Chakvali and Mushko could be thrilling tourism product and a best segment for Discovery Channel.

Drass is the home of traditional Horse Polo and archery. There are two huge polo grounds at Drass and many other small grounds where horse polo is regularly played every evening by the local teams like we play football everywhere in Kashmir. There are nearly 16 well developed Horse Polo Clubs here, the prominent among them are Drass, Shahmurad, Holiyal, Goshan and Ladakh Scouts etc. In order to control, develop and promote Horse Polo they have formed Drass Polo Promotion Association which arranges polo tournaments there. Last year many local and major polo events were conducted which include Chief Minister’s Cup and Lalit Suri Memorial Tournament in which a Mongolian team also took part. Efforts of the DPPA are afoot to encourage this traditional sport amongst the Kashmiri youth. Appreciatively Mr. Mohammad Amin, President, DPPA arranged training of some University students to this unique sport at Drass in October this year. There is need of organizing many such events here at large scale by the LAHDC and KDA regularly and to facilitate the DPPA to grow this ancient sport.

The town could also offer a host of variety of allied adventure tourism products like Zorbing, Winter Sports, Snow Cycling, Baseball, Rugby, Sport Angling and Orienteering etc. There is also possibility of introducing Scree Running on loose rocky hills at Matayan. Scree is an accumulation of rock debris on a mountain or hill. Scree Running is a method of descending gravelly slope. There are a number of naturally groomed scree slopes with fine small loose stones on them.

Besides this, Drass is ideal place for aero sports which has high potential on commercial lines. There is best and constant wind condition for Paragliding and Parasailing here. The University Adventure Camp conducted preliminary paragliding training for its students on upper reaches of Goshan and Bearas Villages. The University also located an ideal site for parasailing, situated at Lakthong near Kargil Battle School campus. It is vast flat area where the land parasailing could be operated with the help of a Gypsy.

The above established facts reveal that Drass is an enchanting, amazing and magnificent destination for round the year adventure tourism provided Government lays infrastructure and arranges construction of a Tunnel on Zoji-La. Adventure Tourism is in fact thrust area in the tourism sector of our state. The LHDC and KDA must therefore, highlight this sector. It could become a hub of adventure tourism.

It is great of University students that with the intention to pay homage to Drass they raised loudly and proudly a yell…”She-Hale” at the end of the camp. By word “She” they meant, Drass while “Hale” means healthy (Drass Live Long). They vowed to protect this hidden adventure treasure for future generations.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 14th Dec, 2010

Make Sport Angling Suitable To Gurez

Sport Angling could attract scores of enthusiasts to Gurez as the River Kishenganga offers best opportunity to host major angling event that could also help boost youth and rural tourism there, hopes Mohammad Yusuf.

Gurez is a small but an enchanting and mesmerizing valley, lying in farthest north of Kashmir Himalayas, surrounded by Shamasbari Mountains with Mount Habba Khatoon in the middle and river Kishenganga running like a serpent through its entire length from Tulail to Kanzalvan.

Gurez was considered an important destination for explorers and adventurers in the mid twentieth century. Pertinently Srinagar-Bandipora and Gurez route was a nearest and easiest access to mighty Mount Nanga Parbat before independence. Most of the German climbing expeditions preferred this route to Nanga Parbat. It was also favorite route for traders in the ancient times. It reveals that tourism is not a new concept to Gurez but has remained an important tourist centre since time immemorial. It lost its importance after independence when the traditional route to Neelam Valley was blocked by the armies of two sides. Nothing special was left behind to attract tourists to this hidden hamlet except the rich cultural heritage.

After thorough exploration of Gurez valley by Kashmir University Reconnaissance Expeditions the Tourism Department and other tourism players have come to forefront and are now trying their utmost to put Gurez on international Tourist map for last few years. No doubt efforts are being made to raise basic infrastructure there but little attention is being paid towards exploring and exploiting the new components of tourism which suites to this mysterious valley. Appreciatively the Tourism Department is holding tourism festivals there regularly to acquaint tourism players about Gurez, while the Tourism Minister, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora is suggesting introducing Mountain Biking Rallies on Srinagar-Gurez sector like the one organized by the Indian Motor Sports Federation on Mughal Road in June this year but he is silent about other possibilities. Mountain biking is possible beyond Gurez. One could extend it up to Drass via Tulail, Baduab. Chakvali and Mushko valley once the road on this sector is thrown open for general public. It is great of Forest Minister and local M.L.A that they recently managed to travel on this newly built road. It is in fact a cherished desire of the Member Legislative Assembly, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) to see domestic and foreign tourists visiting this wonderful Himalayan valley. He is leaving no stone unturned in motivating different organizations in Kashmir to send their teams to hold one or the other tourism related activity in Gurez, which would certainly pave way to attract the tourists from other parts of the country but he needs support of the Tourism Ministry to fulfill his dreams. There are many untouched tourism products those need to be developed in a big way, making thereby Gurez a major tourism destination of the state.

No doubt Gurez has a tremendous scope of becoming one of the leading and most favored tourist destinations of the state but the basic facilities lack there. There are many tourist attractions which one could offer to intended tourists here. The concept itineraries could make Gurez a distinctive tourist destination. Pertinently, besides heritage, cultural and medicinal plant tourism, the valley has the potential to offer many adventure outdoor pursuits like ski-touring, paragliding, parasailing, mountain biking and wild water sports etc.

Besides these activities, there is possibility of introducing sport angling on the gushing waters of river Kishenganga. No doubt sport angling is an old sports tourism activity in the world but it would be a new concept to our tourism industry. Sport Angling is an international sporting event and is catching up fast in the sub-continent.

God has bestowed beautiful river Kishenganga (Neelam) to Gurez valley which is full of trout fish but we could not use it for tourism activities. River Kishenganga actually originates from Kowbal, the upper reaches of Tulail valley and after running down through the entire length of Tulail and Gurez valleys it finally flows down to Neelam valley across the actual line of control. From Tourism point of view Kishenganga is ideal for competitive angling. It is wide and deep with turbulent and wild waters at many places. The calm and scenic environs of Gurez offer best opportunity for sport angling but should someone take a lead in exploiting this sector.

After setting up sub-offices at Dawar and Tulail the Fisheries Department has identified many fishing beats at places like Budogam, Sheikhpora, P.T.L, Kashpat, Burnio, Markot and Dawar etc for commercial fishing.. Commercial fishing is conducted on this river for long but to our dismay the Department has never given a thought to make fishing a regular sporting event. They just remained confined to its commercial activities unaware of the fact that it has tremendous scope in tourism sector. At the moment their activities are limited to sale of permits to fishermen, rare fish efficiently at their farms and then sell it out to public. This is no doubt generating huge revenue for the state but its other indirect benefit like promotion of rural and sports tourism are being ignored.

Fishing for sport, recreation, and relaxation is called sportfishing, or angling. Angling is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the world. Sport angling could take our tourism to new heights once it is recognized as a tourism product. The Tourism Department had in fact made an attempt to promote sport angling as a recreation when they highlighted this tourist component in their brochures. They should now give serious thought to this sector and put it on their annual calendar of activities. It is admitted fact that sport angling will never grow in Kashmir unless the Tourism Department adopts it. No doubt holding Tourism Festivals at Gurez is important but conducting recreational activities such as angling, skiing, mountain biking, paragliding and parasailing etc are equally important, as they have great significance in rural tourism. The sources and expert manpower is available in the Tourism Department who could pursue and patronize these activities. Pertinently the Deputy Director Tourism, Mr. Mahmud Ahmad is an avid adventurer and explorer who have helped his department exploring new trekking routes in Kashmir and Ladakh. He also played a lead role in introducing Snow Baseball at Gulmarg last winter. His expertise should be utilized for promoting sport angling in the valley as well. Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Shah is a visionary person in whose tenure the adventure tourism received big boost.

The three most favored methods of fishing in both salt and fresh water are bait fishing, spin fishing, and fly-fishing. In all three methods, a fisher chooses a rod, a reel, and line of an appropriate weight and strength. Lures are chosen that imitate the game fish’s prey. Freshwater fishing takes place in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Game fish in these waters include trout, bass, and many other species.

In the United States, many organizations sponsor regional and national angling tournaments. Of these, freshwater tournaments governed by B.A.S.S. are the most popular. Each year 7,50,000 anglers participate in local, state, and regional events. The competitions include cash awards and prizes for various categories, including the biggest fish caught, the first fish caught, the most fish caught, and heaviest cumulative weight of fish caught. During tournaments, anglers keep captured fish in aerated containers—called live wells—in their boats. At the end of the day the fish are measured and recorded at the tournament center. They are then released unharmed. Anglers who amass enough points by catching fish in local and regional tournaments are invited to fish in the annual BASS masters Classic. Many communities sponsor fishing derbies for local children which teach them proper fishing techniques, etiquette, and conservation.

With a view to introduce angling as a competitive sport in the state the Tourism Department or the Fisheries Department must patronize the state level Sport Angling Association and must sponsor Angling Championships annually. The MLA, Gurez should also pursue this segment of tourism in his area. The meeting held between Mr. N.A.Gurezi, Dr. K.A Tarzan and this writer last year in connection with the formation of state level association did not bear fruit till date.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 9th Nov, 2010