Tribute - Sheikh Sahib Is No More

He didn’t make a name in politics and academics along, but in sports his contribution is unforgettable, Mohammad Yousuf profiles one of the ace footballers of the valley whoom we lost recently.

Prof. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad

Prof. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad had not earned a name in academics or politics alone, he was a well know, footballer too. He called it a day on 12th November, 2009. People know much about his political, social and academic affairs but little know about his sports pursuits. Late Sheikh Sahib was a great footballer and a sports lover. He served a lot for the development of sports in the state for nearly 50 years of his valuable life. Prof. Sheikh was an ace football player of his time and played for his School and College for a long period. He was a member of S.P. College Football Eleven in 1947. He represented his College in different Inter-College and Regional tournaments. He also represented the then J&K University in the Inter-University tournaments several times. He was one of the great Kashmiri footballers who took part in Inter-University Football Championship held in worthwhile Punjab University, Lahore during his College days. After his appointment in the higher education department he dedicated himself for the promotion of sports among student youth of two excising A.S. College and S.P. College. Later he developed football in other colleges, wherever he worked during the tenure of his active service. With his great efforts a Football Club was established in S.P. College in forties, which he himself patronized for long. The S.P. College Football Club was considered one of the reputed Football Clubs in the valley till recent years, which was regularly participating in all major tournaments, organized by the University, local Football Clubs and Association during that time. Great footballer of the state like Mr. M.Yusuf Dar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad, Prof Bashir, Mr. Bhagwandas of Jammu and Chapri brothers are his products. He fought for providing boots to the players who used to play barefoot. His demise is a big loss particularly to the arena of sports in the colleges and University. A great human being and a veteran footballer is no more with us today but people will remembers him for long for his contribution to the field of sports. Prof Sheikh was a good friend of Prof. G.N. Siddique, retired Registrar of Kashmir University. Prof Siddique had a long association with this noble soul. He wanted to derive some benefit from this disciplined, honest and highly knowledgeable legendary sportsperson after his retirement. Prof. Sheikh was nominated as first Chairman on University Sports Committee in early eighties. During his Chairmanship the University Sports Department rose to its heights. With his able guidance the Department could formulate long term sports policies. A number of Inter-University Tournaments at North Zone and All India levels were successfully conducted in the University. He always persuaded young football players to play quality game and bring laurels for the University and the state. At times he himself accompanied University Football Teams as Manager in the Inter-University tournaments held outside the state, which encouraged a spirit of sportsmanship among the students. He always guided the players well. He was always personally watching the feedback football matches minutely, analyzing the performance of the young players and then suggesting new measures and strategies for University football team. This soberly person was a big source of motivation and encouragement for sportsmen/women. He always emphasized on tapping raw talent in Colleges and properly grooming it so that Kashmir University could produce ace sportspersons of national standard. During his days as Chairman University Sports Committee the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of the University received wide acclaim in the field of sports. He always expressed his concern for the welfare of sports fraternity of the state.

Late Sheikh Sahib also helped the University in developing sports among women. It was his desire that the female students should also participate in sporting events and excel. He was in the opinion that the sports develop confidence, courage, camaraderie, coordination and cooperation among women. He always wanted that the women should be exposed to more strenuous work like sports so that they could learn to face difficulties of life boldly, fiercely and prudently. He once himself accompanied the Women Hockey team to Delhi during an Inter-University Hockey tournament. Women sports have been a high priority with him. He encouraged his own daughters to take up to sports during their schooling and college days. His untimely demise is a setback to women sports as well.

Late Sheikh Sahib has left a mark behind. People particularly sports fraternity will remember him long for his great contribution in the field of University sports. In 1998 Jenab Sheikh Sahib met me in Kathmandu during my participation in International River Trisuli Rafting Expedition. On hearing my venture he was delighted and served me Wazwan in a Kashmiri Restaurant there. He assured me every possible help for my endeavour in the foreign country, which shows his dedication towards sports culture. It is undoubtedly unparallel. I am lucky enough that just about two months back of his death I got a chance to see him at his residence. We sat in the beautifully decorated lawns of his house at Nigeen Bagh, full of flowers and greens and discussed a lot about University sports and revealed his old association with University sports. He insisted his son, Mr. Sheikh Abid, to serve me juice, tea and coffee one after another. There was no sign of his ailment. He looked hale and hearty full of life and exuberance.

Prof. Sheikh actually hailed from Nawara, Eidgah and shifted to Nigeen Bagh in 1973. He is survived by wife, two sons and four daughters. He passed his matriculation examination from…. In the year and graduated from S.P. College in the late forties. He did his M.Sc in Physics in Aligarh Muslim University. During his college days he was influenced by political ideologies and started another chapter of his life by joining politics. Besides Sports, he was very much inclined towards politics. He landed in jail a number of times.

On the sad demise of this veteran footballer various political, social and religious organizations and people from all walks of life including teachers, doctors and pro-freedom leaders expressed their profound grief but surprisingly the J&K Football Associations’ governing body could not express a single word of sympathy with the bereaved family. How shameful it is that the new ones are forgetting the old giants. It is great of Prof. Bashir and Mr. Sajid Dar who attended his funeral prayer. The Kashmir University Coaches held a condolence meeting and prayed for peace for the departed soul. They vowed to realize Sheikh Sahib’s mission. He showed them the right part of dealing students problems.

Today I remember him with all his qualities and contribution. May God bless his soul? Ameen.

Published by Greater Kashmir on December 1, 2009

Ranji Trophy Row - Nothing But Prejudice

Services cricket team's behavior was most unsportsmanlike writes Mohammad Yousuf

This is in reference to news regarding refusal by Services Cricket Team to play Ranji Trophy match in Srinagar. It is most unfortunate that the Services Cricket team did not play the match in Srinagar. The entire sports fraternity of J&K was shocked and thus condemns this act. Every sportsperson of the state was stunned on learning that the team did not turn up at S.K. Cricket Stadium.

They should have informed the organizers and BCCI about their withdrawal early in view of threat perception so avoid huge financial loss to the JKCA. We fail to understand what made the Services Team to stay back. They were not perhaps prepared to play the match and thus made the lame excuse of security arrangements. Pertinently the state hosted a number of sporting events at national and international levels in Kashmir valley this year which include Global Derby and National Snow Rugby Championships at Gulmarg in winter, International Rafting Championship at Sonamarg by Tourism Department , National School Games (Cricket) by Youth Services Department, National Police Water Sports Meet by J&K Police, All India Inter-varsity Kayaking and Canoeing Championship by Kashmir University, Greater Kashmir Golf Championship, Ambassadors’ Golf Championship and many other major events.

Surprisingly the North Zone Inter-University Football (Men) Tournament is in progress at Kashmir University Campus these days in which twenty two teams of different Universities of north India are participating. All the participants of these prestigious championships were roaming freely and without any fear or threat. None of the participants was given security cover. The S.K. Cricket Stadium is fully sensitized and is always highly guarded by Para military forces. It is located in high security zone. On its north is the Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station is situated. On the southern and western sides, all the important Ministers of J&K State reside in their Bungalows. On the eastern side the Amar Singh Club makes a garrison of Para military forces. The S.K Cricket Stadium is near Badami Bagh Cantonment (Army Headquarters), thereby leaving least chances of security lapses.

We highly appreciate the Indian Police teams who boldly came forward and took part in Police Water Sports Meet here in summer. The refusal of Services team has sent a bad message and hurt the sentiments of local sports fraternity in general and Cricketers in particular. It was nothing but the expression of hatred against Kashmiri people. The report given by Union Defence Ministry could not convince any Kashmiri. We appreciate the BCCI for banning the team for rest of the Ranji Trophy matches. They should have in fact given them more severe punishment so that no such dramas are repeated in future. The step taken by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of JKCA against Services Team is laudable. His expression of anger was touching. The JKCA must stick to its decision and not accept any explanation from Services Sports Control Board. The State Government must also impose ban to Services Team to play any match in Srinagar vicinity in future. The displeasure expressed by Union Home Minister is highly appreciating. The JKCA must desist from asking Services Cricket Team to tender apology. Every Kashmiri is emotionally hurt. So no compromise please.

Published in Daily Greater Kashmir on 7th November 2009

Thajewas - The Glacier of Tragedy

Thajewas is receding much faster than any other glacier in the valley. Easy access to the glacier is responsible for its recession. It is now time to protect it, as otherwise the Golden Meadow will lose its White Gold forever, observes Mohammad Yousuf

  

Lot is written and discussed about Kolahoi and other glaciers of J&K State but little attention is paid by highly rewarded and awarded environmentalists and Glaciologists towards the protection of fast receding Thajiwas Glaciers in Kashmir Himalayas. Thajiwas is, in fact, a valley within the Sindh valley. It runs south-east to north-west to join the Sindh River at Shitkari below Sonamarg. It is surrounded by many lofty rock walls and challenging peaks like Mosquito,4612 mtr, Arrow/Blade, 4830 Mtr, Valehead, 4750 mtr, Umbrella, 4789 mtr, Cefn Carnedo, 4800 mtr, Innominate, 4900 mtr, and Kazim ridge, 4970 mtr. on its south and easy grassy Zabnar (4040 mtr) on its north. Two very difficult types of sandstone and soft lime rocks form its boundaries. The eastern side of the valley is blocked by the Hapatnar Bal (Bear Valley Col). Melting glaciers form a stream at the base which later joins the River Sindh at Shitkari Bridge near Hung.

Thajiwas is also known as ‘The Valley of Glaciers’. In recent past it was abode of six fairly well defined glaciers lying in between different pinnacle shaped peaks, crags and cliffs. Most of the glaciers, running from mountain tops through gullies, were meeting each other at the base of the valley and was therefore known by a single name of Thajiwas glacier but the position of these glaciers is today entirely different. The moraines running from these glaciers to the foothills indicate that a large portion of these glaciers is receded for last some decades. These Glaciers are now shrunk to a great extend. Just before independence some sporting activities like climbing and ice crafting were actively conducted here by the British officers. These glaciers offered best possibilities of undertaking high adventures here. Surprisingly most of these glaciers are now hanging on the cliffs, waiting for their sudden death. Glacier 1 overlooks the ‘Meadow of Gold’ (Sonamarg) and lies directly amidst of two peaks, ‘Greater Thajiwas’ 4727 mtr. and Lesser Thajiwas, 4546 mtr. It is on the pattern of other glaciers, steep of snout. Glacier 2 lies between Greater Thajiwas and Wallow Crag walled behind by Arrow and Cefn Carnedo peaks. After Glacier 2 there was a snow bed, called Amphitheatre Gully, which is totally vanished now. One can find seasonal snow on this Gully till April/May but due to high rate of ablation it melts down fast. The snow clad Umbrella peak lies on the upper reaches of this gully behind Wallow Crag. Glacier 3 is situated between Umbrella and Valehead peaks. Kazim ridge forms the back wall. This is the largest of the six glaciers and the most active. It is roughly triangular in form. Glacier 4 and 5 are close to each other and lies at the foothills of Valehead and Mosquito peaks. The long and serrated north ridge of Valehead peak divides Glacier 3 and 4. Its lowest buttress, named Sunday Crag, dominates Glacier 4. Glacier 6 lies at the head of the valley over Bear Valley Col. It bends down from the very heart of Valehead Peak, beyond Mosquito Peak, in a smooth curve.

About four decades back it was possible to ski the whole Thajiwas Nar till late July. Glacier 6 was not crevassed and provided good ski runs in May and June. Glacier 3 would make a fine ski mountaineering expedition to the peaks “Valehead” and “Umbrella”. Even till 1988 these glaciers offered challenge for ski-touring. An Indo-Swiss expedition, with this writer as one of the members, skied down the entire Thajiwas Nar starting from upper reaches of Hapatnar Col to Sonamarg in May-June 1988. At some places it offered Extreme Skiing with nearly 8 kilometers of ski run in one go. Snow condition was excellent and fantastic. Another expedition, organized by the J&K Ski & Mountaineering Association undertook Ski-Paragliding flights from top of Glacier 1 to the base in May 1989. Not only global warming but the increasing human activity in higher areas is equally responsible for disappearance of glaciers. Due to high rate of ablation and heat produced by increasing number of tourists, Gujjars/Bakarwals (Nomads), herdsmen, restaurants, School excursions and campers the glacier seems visibly retracting. The Glacier 5 has pushed out a tongue of ice into the main valley. There is need for taking tangible steps for addressing the receding Thajiwas Glacier.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government is undoubtedly duty bound to promote tourism in the state. It is making its all out efforts to promote tourism in a big way but the growing tourism harms our eco system as well. In its endeavor the Tourism Department is increasingly organizing different adventure programs, carnivals, fame tours, and festivals etc at high altitudes one or the other day. Conducting of Rafting Championships on Sindh and Lidder streams has become its regular feature. During such adventure activities a large crowd is gathered at higher places. Besides, a large number of domestic tourists are now regularly visiting these places. Hundreds of tourists and local excursions are frequently visiting the easy accessible Thajiwas glacier every day. The glacier is visited by nearly 50,000 to 60,000 tourists just in 120 days of tourist season every year. It is not possible for a common/pleasure tourist to visit Kolahoi or any other high altitude glacier in a day. Surprisingly Thajiwas glacier is just 2.5 kilometers away from black topped road head. To seek pleasure by organizing snow fighting or zooming down the glacier on a Sledge the tourists from Indian planes always prefer to go to Thajiwas glacier because it is nearest and has easy approach. The increasing tourist inflow to Thajiwas is its deteriorating factor. Not only day tourists but a good number of Gujjars/ Bakarwals (nomads) and Chopans (herdsmen) are residing here during summer months. Many others have been permitted to set up Tea Stalls and Campsites in the narrow Thajiwas valley, unaware of the fact that due to increasing human interference the heat is generated in a larger quantity and thus proving disastrous to the glaciers. The Campfires, stoves, Cholas and burning of wood to make charcoal accelerates the heat here. Since Thajiwas is bounded by wall like high mountains on its three sides it leaves less space for heat to escape. The Sonamarg Development Authority must immediately shift these campsites to other places like Sarbal, Nilgrath and main Sonamarg but away from water bodies as well. There is need of setting up a monitoring station by The Energy Resource Institute (TERI) here as otherwise we will lose this nature’s renewable storehouse of freshwater. On the other hand these hanging glaciers could also be dangerous for tourists who often try to reach out to these glaciers. Two years back five tourists were buried alive in a hanging glacier when it suddenly collapsed. We will have to minimize the tourist inflow to Thajiwas so that melting rate could be minimized and the glaciers are protected. The Government will have to prepare extensive project to protect these glaciers.

Published in Daily Rising Kashmir on 19th September 2009

Exploring Gurez

Gurez is more suitable for heritage tourism than adventure, writes Mohammad Yousuf

This refers to the article titled “The Inside-out of Empyrean Adventure” authored by M/S Zahid Samoon and Ishtiyaq Samoon, (GK Aug 28). Mr. Zahid must be well aware of the fact the Directorate of Physical Education, University of Kashmir launched its first-ever reconnaissance expedition to Gurez in August 2005 to explore possibility of introducing different adventure activities here. Pertinently the expedition, comprising 60 students from different colleges and P.G Departments, was flagged of by the then Tourism Minister, Mr. G.H. Mir and M.L.A Gurez, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi. Soon after completion of the expedition Mr. Zahid, being a native of the area, expressed his gratitude for the University in a writ up published in Greater Kashmir some time ago. It is surprising that Samoon brothers have now forgotten the initial efforts of the University to put Gurez on national tourism map. It is sad that they have made no mention of the University in their recent article.

The possibility of introducing different tourism related activities in Gurais was first brought to the notice of public by the University expedition, led by this writer, through the medium of esteemed Greater Kashmir. Tourism Department came in picture much later. For kind information of Mr. Zahid merely holding Festivals at local level will not promote Gurais as a major tourist destination. There is need of exploring possibilities of introducing different adventure activities such as ski-mountaineering, paragliding, parasailing and alpine skiing more seriously. Due to its restricted boundaries it is not possible to organize long trekking here. A trek from Dawar to Budaab (Tilel) through laid muddy and dusty road could not be attractive for tourists than a trek from Dawar to deep Neelam valley. Serious River Rafting is also not possible on flat waters of River Kishenganga. For Rafting the water should be wild with rapids of 3 to 5 grade. Water trekking would be suitable on Kishenganga. Gurais, of course, offers great challenge for ski-touring from Dawar to Bandipore and Tilel to Kangan or Sonamarg via Tsorlat and Gangabal but should the Tourism Department send its team of experts for exploring the terrain and preparing itineraries? A circular mountain biking trip from Srinagar to Srinagar via Bandipore, Gurais, Tilel, Drass and Sonamarg could be fascinating. It has tremendous potential in foreign market and needs massive marketing by tourism players. There is also possibility of introducing Paragliding, Parasailing, and alpine skiing here provided some skilifts are installed here but again this will be possible only when there is connectivity, as rightly pointed out by Mr. Zahid in his article. Heli-Skiing is possible on the southern region of the valley but it will not help locals in any way as the operation will be conducted from Srinagar itself. Major mountains and peaks have no access from Dawar as these are lying in other part of the valley. Gurais is undoubtedly a picturesque countryside. It has much potential for heritage tourism than adventure tourism keeping in view the interference of army in the area. Due to strategic point most of the areas of tourist interest are fenced and restricted for trekkers and climbers here. Not only setting up a unit of Cultural Academy here but there is also need of establishing an Outward Bound School here which could train local manpower for tourist industry. To protect the heritage log houses at Purana Telil, Budogam, Budaab, Chorwan and other areas from devastating fires is most important task of the Government. Fire fighters should be kept readily available in every village.

The article was published in Greater Kashmir on September 4th, 2009

Less Access To Adventure In Kashmir

There is need of encouraging and inculcating a spirit of adventure sports among youth in the state, feels Mohammad Yousuf

Why do you go to climb Everest, was once asked from Late Mallory and his precise reply was “because it is there”. Another noted hiker remarks that “once you get out of the bustle of the city the more you go the more peaks will call”. But today these sayings go vice verse. Some people think if they go to mountains they will be caught to high risks and exposed to strenuous work. There is no one who could encourage a spirit of adventure among youth in the right direction.

The Govt. and Voluntary organizations have lost their interest in Mountain Sports. Sports Administrators today give much impetus to whistle games which attract a large crowd and VIPs to the decorated play-fields unaware of the fact that adventure sports are job oriented and have tremendous scope in tourist industry. Adventure sports are usually conducted in deep seas and high mountains where no spectator could be invited to watch. There is urgency of encouraging and inculcating spirit of adventure in youth. Ministers talk high about promoting adventure in the state but the heads of the concerned departments turn deaf ear and discourage youth to take up to these sports. The Govt. and N.G.Os could act as factories and produce trained manpower for tourist industry. As much importance is attached to studies as to life outdoors. Young people learn to be generous, charitable and sympathetic, and ideologies do not cross their minds.

Adventure is nothing but a hidden power inside human that leads him to undertake any risk in his life. It needs to be exploited in a proper way. Extreme Sports are perhaps the best to utilize the surplus energy of youth and release their ambition in a better way. Some are seen misusing this inner power by undertaking different types of misadventures that puts not only him but the entire national in a trouble.

Adventure sports in fact develop eight best traits of personality that is camaraderie, character, confidence, courage, coordination, cooperation, competence and of course spirit of competition among youth but misadventure brings displeasure and destruction. Youngman learn to face hardships, hard-working and hazards. For last two decades the spirit of adventure sports is seen considerably declining in youth. The reason behind it could be perhaps inadequate facilities. We lack infrastructure, guidance and the best training institutes here. These sports have lost its popularity in Kashmir where nothing but Burf, Pani and Pahar (snow, water and mountains) are in abundance. Great credit goes to Mr. Farooq Shah, Director Tourism who conducts one or the other adventure activity frequently. It may be running rivers, zooming down snowy slopes or launching awareness campaign against water pollution on river Jhelum. The Chief Minister, being himself an avid adventurer, is very keen to develop adventure sports in the state for which natural facilities are available here. It is highly appreciating that he recently raft down a treacherous stretch of + 4 grade from Sonamarg to Shutkari village with a local rafting team during inaugural function of International Rafting Championship. He stressed the need of popularizing the adventure sports among local youth but alas! Nobody is here to listen his orders.

It is mentionable that there are hundreds of adventure Clubs in West Bengal but alas here we just have a few, which too are non-functional for last many years. This is most unfortunate that Kashmir could not give birth to any Everester, though we are born in mountains. Mountaineering came to Kashmir during British Raj, who set up a mountaineering Club under the name and style “Cashmere Climbing Club” here sometime in 1934 which was later renamed as J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club. 1970s was a golden period for the club when it was revived and hundreds of boys were trained to Mountaineering including the writer but unfortunately today it is dying slow death. It lies defunct for last many years. The whereabouts of its assets is not known and records are not available. It is stunning that the office bearers of JKMHC don’t remember that 2009 is the 75th year of the Club which should have been celebrated in a big way. Pertinently the club gave bread and butter to many of its members and some rose to high positions with its help. It is now time for them to wake up and infuse fresh enthusiasm to this historic Club.

Climbing was popular in Kashmir during 1940-50 when many foreign teams used to come to Kashmir to attempt our lofty peaks. Kashmir was base for Nanga Parbat and many other Karakorum peaks those days. Not many know that Kashmir has given birth to an unsung hero, Late Abdul Rehman, who regularly accompanied German Expeditions to Mount Nanga Parbat as Cook during late 1940s. His regular attempts to Nanga Parbat gave him nick name of “Rehman Nanga”. He has played a vital role in the success of Germans to climb Nanga Parbat popularly known as “Killer Mountain”.

After JKMHC the J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association has done commendable job in exploring new areas, introducing new adventure sports and training hundreds of people to different adventure sports. It is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. The JKSMA was formed by three renowned explorers, Rauf Ahmad Tramboo, Mehraj-Ud-Din and this writer. It is a registered society and has conducted several ski, climbing, Paragliding, and rafting expeditions at state, national and international levels since its inception. It has many Firsts at its credit like first International ski-touring expedition to Lidder valley, first water ski expedition on river Jhelum, first paragliding course in Kashmir, first ski expedition to Mount Mahadev and first winter climb to Mount Kolahoi. It fielded largest contingent in first National Ski championship in 1984. The Association has also undertaken many environmental protection programs. One of its ski expeditions sighted snow leopard in Sekiwas in 1986, which confirmed the existence of this endangered species in Lidder valley for the first time. It also reported about water pollution in Jhelum and Wular Lake in 1988. Due to bleak financial position JKSMA remained dormant for quite some time.

For celebrating its Silver Jubilee the association has chalked out many innovative programs for the year 2009/10 which include Summer skiing in Zanaskar, Rafting expeditions on river Kishenganga, rock-climbing championship, ski touring expedition to Lidder valley, climbing expeditions in Sonamarg, first-aid and crisis management courses, Water ski expedition on river Jhelum, trekking from Harwan to Kulun, paragliding course, mountain biking expedition from Bandipora to Drass via Gurez and Roller Skating championship. Besides, environmental awareness campaigns would also be launched. The Association also plans to hold an International Seminar on “Adventure develops personality traits”. Some world celebrity mountaineers and skiers like Lincoln Hall and Peter Hillary etc. are expected to take part. Silver Jubilee celebration by JKSMA would go a long way in reviving adventure tourism in J&K. It would also coincide with the celebration of International Health Year.

Published in Rising Kashmir on 13th August, 2009

Save Water Bodies

Jhelum is lifeline of Kashmir –Save it, save it and save it for Mankind writes Mohamad Yousuf

Launching of an awareness Rally “Save Water Bodies” jointly by the Tourism Department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Rafting Operators Association on river Jhelum from Zero Bridge to Safakadal in the heart of Srinagar city is a laudable idea conceived by these organizations. The campaign will certainly aware and educate the masses, particularly the people living on both banks of river Jhelum in denser Shahri-khas of Srinagar city, about protecting water bodies from pollution, degradation and encroachment. It will also suggest people to desist from throwing polythene, rubbish, dead animals and other human waste in the water bodies which cause health hazards in the entire valley. The Rally would also study the state of water pollution that is threatening the existence of river Jhelum and its world-famous tributaries- the Manasbal and the Wular lakes etc. It is obvious that the studies will reveal that the paradise is indeed in peril. It is not hidden to anyone that water level in Wular and Jhelum has gone so low that one could walk through the waters; the gateways to the lakes are choked with sand, silt, polythene and sewerage. It is alarming situation now and we all will have to wake up and gear up to protect our heritage, the Veth (Vitasta) for our posterity. Earlier a similar awareness campaign was launched by N.L.C.O at Nagin Lake but that move remained confined to Nagin Lake only. It is unfortunate that the LAWDA has not incorporated Jhelum in its “Development of Waterways” programme, though Jhelum has remained most important waterway of Kashmir for ages. On the other hand maximum dirt and rubbish of Srinagar city goes to Jhelum via different outlets of Dal, Nagin, Manasbal and Sindh nallah and S.M.C acts as a mute spectator.

The Awareness Rally, in a caravan of multicolored inflatable rafting boats, kayaks and motor boats, will have a good impact on people and attract their attention towards this noble cause. The campaign starting from Zero bridge and after passing through historical Amirakadal, Habbakadal, Fatehkadal, Zainakadal, Alikadal and Nawakadal bridges will finally terminate at Safakadal. Besides Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Kashmir University, J&K Police Water Sports Team, a large number of students from different Schools and Colleges are expected to take part in this awareness campaign. Many other senior citizens are also expected to partake of it. Srinagar Municipal Corporation, members of Srinagar District Winter Games Association and Sports Fraternity Dalgate etc. are also on toes to participate. Protecting our water bodies is a social obligation for all of us. Every citizen must come forward and propagate that saving nature is to save our future. Village, school and community environmental awareness education is need of the time. There is no other way but to preserve our water bodies for future generations and have to handle water resources carefully. Sanitation close to water bodies is yet another dangerous way of polluting water and we will have to avoid it now. The waters of our water bodies have become poisonous and are no more the elixir of life. The decaying animal carcasses in contaminated water will give birth to Cholera like diseases. Srinagar is known as city of Lakes. Because of its lakes and rivers it attracts tourists here. If we kill them no tourist can be expected to come here in future.

Due to receding glaciers and water pollution there is a water crisis everywhere today. But the crisis is not about having too little water to satisfy our needs. It is of managing water bodies so badly that billions of people and the environment – suffer badly. Globally, about 38% of the population lives in countries where there is severe water stress. Water sources are often far away, dirty, and unsafe for drinking due to microbiological contamination. It is surprising that at various places in Kashmir, where water is in abundance, people are facing today increasing problems of water scarcity in many areas. Adequate portable water is not available to many. Increasingly water pollution is creating a problem for people and the environment, not only in urban areas but also in areas where there is intensive agriculture. Dal Lake is probably one of the worst examples in terms of deteriorating water quality. Sewerage from millions of people in Srinagar city and other rural areas are responsible for the sludge flowing down river Jhelum. If this continues in the near future many may face shortages of water to produce their daily food and to cover their domestic needs. Increasingly water pollution is becoming a concern for all of us. There is need to make both upstream and downstream populations aware of what result could be if pollution of Jhelum continues, which acts as a principal artery of Kashmir and many places in Pakistan. The major water pollutants are chemical, biological, or physical materials that degrade water quality. In Kashmir the common pollutants are pesticides and herbicides, hazardous wastes, sediments, infectious organism and excess organic matter.

Our water bodies also play an important role in attracting tourists to Kashmir. Srinagar is known as “city of Lakes. Mountain Rivers invite adventurers. We have natural felicities available here for different aquatic sports like wild water rafting, canoe polo, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing, rowing, and distance swimming etc and we can hold international level events on our water bodies. So these are equally important for our economic development. Not only sports but Mountain Rivers are also important for power generation and are thus important for our economic development as well. We will also have to take care of our mountains, as these are often referred to as natural “water towers” of the world. These are of paramount importance for food production and drinking water as well as for energy and industrial manufacturing. An adequate water resource for future generation is not only a regional issue but also a global concern. Demand for water has increased six fold globally in the past 100 years and about half of all available freshwater is being used directly for human purpose. So this now time protect our water arteries, otherwise we will have to repent.

Published by:

1. Greater Kashmir on 13th May 2009 under the heading “A significant way of saving water bodies”

2. Rising Kashmir on 14th May 2009 under the heading “Save Water Bodies”

Skiing On Virgin Slopes

In Alps and Rockies most skiers prefer to go for wilderness skiing rat her than standing hours in queues to get a trip on Ski-lifts-Ski-mountaineering offers the real thrill and challenge for high adventurous skiing writes Mohammad Yusuf.

At the moment winter sports activities are limited to Gulmarg in Kashmir only. Zooming down virgin steep slopes and ridges or swishing across valleys and passes in winter on cross-country skis is one of the winter adventure sports which the Jammu and Kashmir can offer to an intended tourist. However, we are yet to fully exploit the potential of this tourist product. Sindh, Lidder and Gurez valleys, Mahadev (Srinagar), the Pirpanjal and Zanaskar ranges are ideal for the introduction of this winter sport. But to develop winter adventure it is essential to clarify that it is not only downhill skiing at fixed resorts like Gulmarg that constitutes the thrill. The real adventure is going across the hills and mountains in winter on skis.

There is need to develop this kind of adventure which involves the least investment, compared to fixed ski resorts as no lifts, cable cars, snow beating machines, hotels and snow clearing machines etc. are required. The Government has only to construct some alpine huts in the upper reaches of Thajewas, Mahadev, Lidder and Wadvan valleys etc and train local youth to this sport who could accompany as Mountain Guides, porters and cooks with foreign expeditions. Cross Country skiing has tremendous potential in tourist sector. In fact Kashmir can produce dozens of ski resorts if only someone could realize the potential of the White Gold. It could develop much needed winter tourism and create avenues of employment during winter months.

Ski-Mountaineering:

Ski-mountaineering is one of the youngest winter sports to catch the fancy of experts in both skiing and climbing is “Ski-Mountaineering”. In Europe it is called “Ski-du-Randone”. It involves going over virgin hills and mountains with special equipment. Ski -touring which has become very popular in West particularly in Rockies and Alps combines the tenacity and stamina required for cross-country skiing with the thrills of making long runs downhill on skis. Enthusiasts go from daylong ski-mountaineering to even weeklong or still longer expeditions, camping during night either in tents or provisional shelters like igloos or Gujar huts etc. This is sort of high altitude winter trekking and the best way to combine the views of magnificent mountain scenery in winter with the thrill of skiing on virgin slopes. Avalanches and high temperatures on mountains are some hazards to be braved by the skiers. High temperature causes dehydration. In bad weather the temperature goes so down that there is possibility of catching cold injuries like Hypothermia and frostbite., This could also be called as wilderness skiing.

In view of over development of traditional ski resorts where one has to stand hours in a queue to get a trip on a Cable Car or a ski-lift, the sport is catching up fast in Europe, Australia and America and enthusiasts are now looking for newer areas to explore. Our state in this context has extensive possibilities which have hitherto remained completely unexploited. Last year many Australian and Israeli tourists visited Gulmarg but most of them were inclined to ski-touring and snowboarding. Even having tourist restrictions to higher reaches of Gulmarg and without any ski-touring itinerary of Tourism Department some foreign skiers and snowboarders undertook tours to Sunrise and Sunset peaks at their own level. In the absence of a local Mountain Guides some skiers also got lost in the surrounding mountains. It was not their madness but the majestic mountains that lured them to undertake the trip. Skiing down from Sunset peak about 15,000 feet gives them a sense of achievement which they cannot have in the entire European Alps. The months from March to May are the best period for ski touring in Kashmir. The snow conditions are ideal and the wind just right.

Equipment:

The equipment though built on basic principle of cross-country, is completely of a different type. For ski-mountaineering sophisticated equipment is designed in Europe. The skis are like normal alpine skis but shorter, wider, lighter and brighter in color. These skis are suitable for all kinds of snow conditions, powder, soft, hard and icy. The binding with which the boot is fixed, are multipurpose for cross-country and downhill skiing. A spring is fixed with the toe plate of binding which gives automatic push to a skier while walking. A special clip is fixed in the heel plate which holds the weight of skier while climbing uphill. At the time of need these bindings could be removed and a sledge like stretch can be made to carry heavy loads or rescue a sick/injured team mate. The mountain ski boots are lighter in weight and low back with vibrum soles and warm inners. The buckle opens the boot at the back which permits normal walking movement of feet. For uphill skiing seal skins are fixed beneath the ski surfaces which firmly hold the grip of ski with snow and doesn’t permit to slip backward. For more difficult icy slopes a pair of ski crampons is fixed with each ski. This bites into the ice and does not allow ski to slip back. The ski sticks are adjustable. One can make them as long as he wishes. Besides, two sticks can be fixed to each other, thus making a long pole, called snow stake. These long poles/snow stakes could be used for searching fellow skier who is buried in an avalanche. It is mandatory for every ski-climber to carry an avalanche beep, which is used for detecting a skier who is trapped in an avalanche. For navigation purposes every ski expedition carries a Global Positioning System. It is very useful for exploratory expeditions. The skiers carry special low weight high altitude diet. If this sport is to be operated here in a big way the Tourism Department will have to procure the latest mountain skis with its accessories and better designed footwear for porters.

Exploration and Promotions:

The first organized Ski-mountaineering expedition which came to Kashmir was a four member United States team in 1977. This team undertook a weeklong ski trip from Gulmarg to Shopian before they crossed into Wadvan valley over Margan pass and made another ten days trip to Panikhar in Suru valley of Ladakh Himalayas. In 1980 the first reconnaissance expedition to Lidder valley in Pahalgam was undertaken by two Kashmir explorers, the writer and his friend, Mehraj-ud-Din, a travel agent.

Published in Daily Rising Kashmir on 18th Jan, 2009.

Rugby: A Ball Game Played on Snow

Prospectus of an exciting new ball game took roots in Kashmir following conduct of a Snow Rugby demonstration match by Tourism Department during 5th National Winter Games at Gulmarg in February this year writes Mohammad Yousuf

Rugby is one of the ancient games. Basic principal of the game is same but with the modification of rules and regulations it is now played in different formats such as 7 players’ a-side, 10 a-sides, 12 a-side and 15 a-side. Rugby was initially played on grass but with the passage of time it is now played on sand and snow as well. There are different types of rugby which are played in different situations and conditions such as Beach rugby, Touch rugby and Tag rugby.

To oversee Rugby League world wide the Rugby League International Federation was set up in 1948. In India the sport is controlled by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU). To further its aims and objectives, the J&K Football Rugby Association is operative in the state since 2002. The JKFRA has produced many ace rugby players which include Sarib, Syed Hanan, Gh. Sibetein and Fahdul Hassan etc. who were selected for a national coaching camp but due to certain reasons the Indian team could not participate in under 20 International 12 a-side Rugby Championship in Korea during summer this year. The General Secretary JKRFA, Irfan Aziz attended Ruby Ready and Rugby Smart training camps in Mumbai this summer.

Snow Rugby:

The Rugby played on snow is called “Snow Rugby”. Snow Rugby is today played internationally. The last International Championship was held at Riga, Latvia in February 2008. The enthusiasts are trying their utmost to include this new combat ball game in winter sports events of the country, for which the Tourism Department is making its all out efforts. Snow rugby is not a gimmick. We do play a proper social game of rugby and it is genuinely enjoyable and fun..The rugby players consider snow rugby as a new recreation, thrill and challenge Playing rugby on snow is more difficult than playing on grass or sand because it is slippery on snow and running in ankle deep snow is more exhausting and tiresome. Besides, snow rugby is played at high altitudes where oxygen lacks. Playing a combat game on high altitude is itself a difficult task unless the players are fully acclimatized. One has to acclimatize himself properly before undertaking this outdoor pursuit. The other factor is that snow rugby is played under cold climatic conditions. One has to wear extra clothing to keep him warm. Wearing specially designed gloves, caps and footwear further restrict his free movement during the game. They sweat more which causes dehydration and that leads to early fatigue of the players. But to add to its merits, snow rugby causes fewer injuries to a player than grass and sand rugby because every fall is soft here.

There is a saying that “football is a gentleman’s game, played by thugs and rugby is a game of thugs, played by gentlemen”. This saying is proved correct when we find many famous gentlemen playing rough rugby, among them include famous Bollywood actor Rahul Bose, who has represented India in International Rugby Championship. Pramod Khanna (younger brother of actor Vinod Khanna), Nomin Mehta, Managing Director Selvel and Australian player Greg Devy. Rahul is such a dedicated player that he himself organized one day clinic for Kashmiri players last year in December at Polo Ground in Srinagar and taught finest points of the game to our budding players.

Promotion and Development:

Snow Rugby is growing fast in snow bound European countries for last some years. It is also gaining popularity in the Himalayan states of India, where snow is in abundance. Big credit goes to Tourism Department (Kashmir) for introducing and encouraging this unique sport in India in general and Kashmir in particular. For last two years the department has been regularly conducting training camps and feedback completions for local youth at premier snow sports resort, Gulmarg, with the help of J&K Football Rugby Association. With a view to acquaint people to this newly developed snow sport the department included Snow Rugby in Kashmir Snow Festival in 2007 and was repeated in 2008. With the intention to recognize this healthy sport at national level the Tourism Department managed to get it included as a demonstration even in the 5th National Winter Games, held at Gulmarg in February 2008. Besides local teams, a team from Delhi was also invited to participate in this inaugural match. The then Chief Minister, Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad himself inaugurated the first match of its kind. Delhi defeated J&K by a solitary try.

First National Snow Rugby Championship:

It is laudable that the Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Shah has conceived a lovely idea to organize first-ever national snow rugby championship at Gulmarg during ensuing winter. It would certainly promote and develop not only Snow Rugby as a competitive discipline but will also attract a sizeable number of tourists to Gulmarg during winter months, when we do not have much tourist activities in Kashmir. Like skiing and snowboarding many foreigners will be lured to participate in snow rugby programs in near future. At domestic level we have tremendous potential to bring snow rugby players from Indian plains to Gulmarg and other snow bound areas of the valley. This type of activity is possible only few Himalayan states of the country. The championship is being organized under the auspices of Indian Ruby Football Union 16 men and 9 women are expected to participate, which include Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Delhi, West Bengal, Orissa, U.P, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and our own state. The competition will be held in 7 a-side format in both men and women categories. This sport is now making a welcome entry into winter sports. If persuaded it could find a place in next National Winter Games as a competitive event.

It is suggested that the Tourism Department must give sufficient time to players to acclimatize both at Srinagar and Gulmarg before they go for the game, because most of the players will be coming from Indian plains. With the direct transfer of players from Srinagar to Gulmarg the players may have mountain sickness, which would be unpleasant for the visiting teams and may cause worry to the organizers. Their trip should be made enjoyable so that one player could get ten players to Kashmir next year.

The article was published in daily Rising Kashmir on January 11, 2009