Dr. Bharat Bhushan
The historical towns of Basohli & Billawar in District Kathua are on the threshold of a major transformation in next few years. Unique in their own way with district identity, rich cultural heritage with inherent bonds of communal harmony & amity, both these towns have enriched socio-cultural fabric of our pluristic society. This part of the Shivaliks (Lesser Himalayas) has given us a good number of capable bureaucrats, doctors, engineers, and scientists & Warriors. These towns are getting focused attention of the Government so far as promotion of tourism is concerned. Let’s briefly discuss in subsequent paras how these areas are getting transformed.
Billawar, Sukrala, Macheddi:- The ancient Lord Shiva temple of Billawar dating back to Pandavas period, is thronged by a large number of pilgrims & other tourists throughout the year. Declared as a protected monument, its repair and restoration by Archaeological Survey of India is in progress. Heavy flow of the pilgrims to this Shrine is, experienced on Mondays, Navratras & during three days Billawar Baisakhi Festival. The three days Baisakhi festival, since last few years has touched new heights of popularity with the participation of local & outside artists in the cultural evenings. About fifty to sixty thousand people from the Tehsil & other far off places who throng the festival is a testimony of mass popularity of the Mela. The ancient idol of Lord Hanuman in River Naaj & Bowliees at nearby Tilla village are equally sacred & revered by the people.
The Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority has installed canopy on stairs leading to Shrine of Shree Sukrala Mata at Sukrala Village & has taken up the construction of a Yatrika Niwas at Sukrala. The two storey building with well furnished rooms, attached Bath-Rooms, two dormitories, a dinning & open space, is in the finishing stage. This will provide quality accommodation to the pilgrims of Sukrala Shrine and other visitors who may visit picturesque Macheddi, Lohai and Malhar valleys.
The Trekker’s accommodation at Macheddi, Wayside Amenity at Phinter near Billawar, development of parks and Public Conveniences at Billawar are upcoming works which will augment tourism facilities in the area.
Shree Mata Bala Sundri Shrine, Billawar—This Shrine has been choosen for development under Tourist Village scheme. The construction of an Interpretation Centre, Kiosk, drinking water facility and public conveniences are major components of the scheme and are in different stages of execution. Three number of pilgrim shelter sheds enroute shrine stand already constructed. These twin facilities, once completed, will facilitate the pilgrimage to the shrine. The Lakhanpur Sarthal Dev. Authority has already approached J&K Cable Car Corporation for undertaking feasibility study for introducing cable Car from Bhini base camp to Shrine on hilltop.
The construction of public conveniences at Shallian, development of park and public conveniences at Gujroo Nagrota, development of Shiv temple, Sharad Mandli, Shrine at Rampur Rasool and View points are other notable works in and around Billawar which are in different stages of execution.
Dhar Mahanpur—This enchanting and beautiful location is about two hours journey from Lakhanpur. The pine forests, cool and pollution free environs at commonding height, add to the beauty of this picturesque valley. Developed as Model Village, Dhar Mahanpur presents panoramic view of Ranjeet Sagar Lake. The plains of Pathankot and Indo- Pak Border can be seen from this spot during clear skies.
The Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority is coming up with a tourism Complex at Dhar Mahanpur in the form of three cottages which are under execution. These will cater to the visitors and trekkers. Dhar Mahanpur has the potential of an ideal tourist destination particularly during summers when the climate here is pleasant and cooler as compared to other areas.
Basohli and Ranjit Sagar Lake:- Basohli the historic town of the State has glorious History. Its Pahari Art Paintings and Pashmina Shawals are famous worldwide. The shrine of Chanchlo Devi, ancient Shiv temple of Rehni are other focal areas. The construction of a Cable Bridge at Basohli over river Ravi and its close proximity with Punjab and Himachal is bound to increase the tourist foot- fall in Basohli, Billawar, Bani and Sarthal areas. The Cable Bridge ,one of the four such bridges of the country, likely to be commissioned with in a month or so ,will reduce the distance between Basohli and famous Himachal tourist destinations like Banikhet, Dulhousie, Mcleodganj and Dharmshalla. It will be one hour journey from Pathankot and about 45 minutes journey from above destinations of Himachal Pradesh to Basohli.
The Ranjit Sagar Lake formed as a result of construction of a dam over river Ravi at Thein village is in itself a tourist attraction. In May this year, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed undertook an extensive tour of Basohli on the persuasion of Ch. Lal Singh, Minister for Health, Medical Education, ARI & Trainings. This trip was followed by a Power- Point presentation given by IL & FS infrastructure to Chief Minister. The Chief Minister was spell bound by the vast Waterbody and evinced keen interest in promoting this area from tourism view point.
The IL & FS infrastructure, as per the instructions of Chief Minister and and guidance of Ch. Lal Singh, Minister for Health, Medical Education, ARI & Trainings is in the process of formulating a Detailed Project Report which will cover all components of raising tourism infrastructure in an around Basohli catering to the needs of tourists of all types of budget. The company which has expertise of executing mega projects like Esselworld of Mumbai is likely to focuss in its DPR on introducing Water Sports Activities in the Lake, developing jogger’s tracks & Local Cuisine Restaurants, Eat Points, Promotion of local Handicrafts and Handlooms. The Detailed Project Report is likely to give thrust to raising beautiful cottages, parks, swimming pools and a host of swings and entertainment components. There will be special focus on raising infrastructure catering to the fun and frolic needs of the children.
With all these developments, it can be stated that Basohli and Billawar are going to be major tourist destinations in the years to come. The proposed creation of Basohli Development Authority is likely to give a fillip to developing these historical towns.
The writer, a KAS Officer is presently Chief Executive Officer, Lakhanpur Sarthal Deveopment Authority
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