Mohit Mahajan
Surinsar famously known for Lake, a picturesque water body located nearly 33 km from Jammu city, is a serene and scenic destination surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Along with its twin lake – Mansar, Surinsar holds immense mythological significance and is a popular tourist and picnic spot.
According to Hindu mythology, the lake’s origin is linked to “Babhruvahana” son of “Arjuna” one of the five Pandavas of Mahabharata, born from “Ulupi”. It is believed that he shot a powerful arrow into the ground at Mansar to bring Mani so as to bring back to life his father Arjuna whom he had killed mistakenly, causing a natural spring to emerge which eventually formed Surinsar Lake. Historically known as “Surang Sar”, the name evolved over the time into “Surinsar”.
Rich Bio-diversity and Tourism Potential
Surinsar Lake is not only a place of religious and historical significance but also a hub of abundant natural beauty with flora and fauna both in abundance. Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, located between the two lakes, is home to diverse fauna, including Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Sambhar and various bird species.
This place is also a sacred site for Hindu devotees, who visit to perform religious rituals including “Mundan” ceremonies and post-marriage “Pheras”, on the Lake’s bank.
Now, “Aarti” on the Lake bank is also performed every Sunday evening with the participation of locals, which reinforces the religious sentiments attached with this area.
During weekends & holidays, Surinsar witnesses a significant influx of visitors especially from Jammu,seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle-bustle of city life & to spend leisure time, as being the only close-by station compared to Mansar which is nearly 48 Km & Patnitop 110 Km from Jammu with no other picnic spot close-by.
But, due to poor infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, many visitors cut short their trips, affecting the overall tourism experience.
Interestingly, during my interaction with the locals, I was told that senior bureaucrats of J&K at the helm of affairs, frequently visit Surinsar and sometimes for an overnight stay. But despite of this, Surinsar remains deprived of its due share of development with even the basic amenities remain unmet, to say the least….which is unfortunate.
Current Challenges and the Need for Infrastructure Development
Despite of immense potential, Surinsar Lake and its surrounding area continue to remain in a state of neglect. The infrastructure is crumbling as also, is inadequate to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Lack of proper facilities, including parking spaces, rest areas, sanitation, dining facilities and recreational activities, hinder the lake’s ability to emerge as a prime tourist destination.
To enhance Surinsar’s tourism appeal and ensure sustainable development, there is an urgent need to have a Master Plan in place which should focus on beautifying the surroundings of the lake besides, creating additional facilities for long term comprehensive development of the area which will contribute in uplifting the socio-economic status of the locals, through the following initiatives:
Infrastructure Overhaul :Upgrading existing roads, pathways, seating areas, and public amenities to accommodate visitors, comfortably.
Walking Path : The paved walking path around the lake is in extremely bad condition. Sunk at many locations with Tiles displaced, this path needs extensive repairs to promote leisure walks along with physical activities.
Cycling Track: A dedicated Cycling track along the existing Walking Path around the Lake’s perimeter shall be an added attraction for the fitness enthusiasts.
Dining and Refreshment Facilities: Establishing eco-friendly Kiosks as eating points and the Restaurants at convenient places having dining facilities offering variety of food options including regional “Dogra” cuisine under hygienic conditions, are of utmost necessity to cater to the visitors demand.
Boating & Adventure Activities: Introducing Water sports and Adventure sports to boost sports tourism.
Clean Wash Rooms: There are at present not adequate washrooms in the main bazaar area. Those existing, are stinking and unhygienic. Clean washrooms at scattered locations for visitors’ convenience are required.
Proper Sewage, Sanitation & Waste Management System
* The condition of Sewage and Waste Management in Surinsar is deplorable.
* The Sewage from homes is thrown straight into the Lake thereby, desecrating its Sanctity besides, polluting the lake water.
* The Bazaar area is littered with animal dung which has polluted it with its stench.
* Effective Drainage and Sewerage systems along with Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) need to be in place for proper disposal & treatment of Sewage to protect the environment from pollutants.
Scenic Viewpoints
Viewpoints at strategic locations overlooking Lake, Mountains, thick vegetation and the Wildlife Sanctuary need to be created for an enchanting sightseeing.
Hutments
* Existing infrastructure of Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority comprising of three bed rooms with allied amenities overlooking lake, needs lot of improvement.
* The buildings of Tourism Department within the same premises are dysfunctional & in dilapidated condition. These important assets need to be restored to generate revenue.
* To augment the staying accommodation, eco-friendly hutments (one & two-bedroom units with allied facilities) for tourists seeking an overnight stay in a serene environment,be constructed for sustainable development of the area.
* Private homestays can also be promoted as a source of additional income for local families. In addition to economic benefits, they will offer visitors a unique insight into the lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of the Dogra community.
Promoting Spiritualism, Religion & Culture
i. Amphitheater
Amphi theatre recently constructed has no lighting arrangements due to which the programmes cannot be held during evenings.
Proper lighting arrangements are needed for organising events. Artists from various forums can be invited to stage musical shows, dramas, skits, and other cultural and religious events for the recreation of locals & visitors.
ii. Yoga Centre
A Yoga Centre established amidst serene, peaceful surroundings & lush greenery, shall be ideal for spiritual retreats, meditation and wellness activities and shall invite Tourists/Yoga enthusiasts for long stays.
Eco-Tourism & Nature Trails
Developing guided Nature-walks, Bird-watching tours, and Eco-parkto attract nature lovers.
a. Eco-Park & Green Spaces
An Eco friendly amusement park at a scenic location on the lake’s bank featuring varied landscapes with hillocks, mounts, green covers, permanent trees, seasonal flowers and shrubs should be created having following facilities for providing a soothing & relaxed atmosphere:
* Eco-friendly Shelter sheds, Viewpoints and other allied facilities including washrooms, enabling the visitors to enjoy nature, take rest and relax in a calm & serene atmosphere.
* Eco-friendly Kiosks as convenient eating points besides, Restaurants for proper dining facilities.
* Portion of the park should have recreational facilities like Swings/Jhullas, Toy train, Rock climbers, Zip climbers etc. for children and for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Wildlife Enclosure
Small wildlife enclosure housing species like Peacocks, Spotted deer, Sambhar, Nilgai and other wild animals & various birds can be created within the Park’s premises for animal lovers, as an added tourist attraction.
Infrastructure Enhancements
* Additional Wooden Jetties can be constructed for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Lake and the mesmerising sunrise & sunset view with reflection in the lake waters besides, feeding the fishes and other aquatic animals, amidst the feeling of having ventured into the lake.
* The existing lights around the Lake are non-functional. The lamp shades from most of the poles are stolen.
* LED Solar lampsfixed on the poles designed as Heritage Poles apt to this historical place, installed along the Walking path around the Lake, Parks, Hutment areasand at Public places are required for ensuring proper illumination & safety in an eco-friendly manner.
* Bathing Ghats once used by the devotees and also by the locals, are in shambles with cracked floor tiles, broken walls & peeled plaster patches. Wild vegetation growth is prominently visible as also, the garbage dumps inside these Ghats. Need extensive repairs to bring them back to use.
Health Centre
* Surprisingly, in the present time when government is preparing to bring the medical and healthcare facilities to our door-steps, people of Surinsar remain deprived of bare minimum healthcare facilities as there is no Health centre in Surinsar with the result, people are deprived of essential health care facilities. For any medical emergency, the patient is either taken to Mansar or to Jammu for treatment.
* The locals revealed that one Ambulance parked in Panchayat Rest House premises has never been used for the last so many years for want of Driver, which reflects the level of negligence the people of Surinsar are suffering from. Health department needs to take cognizance of this serious issue.
* Health centre with adequate facilities is urgently required for providing first aid & general treatment to the local populace & the visitors.
Requirement of additional Gardners
* The vertical plantation done at the entry point and other near to the Park has gone dry with most of the plants either dead or have withered without water when the lake is so close-by.
* Manicured green patches, well-trimmed & healthy plants ensure a pleasant environment conducive for healthy life.
* The strength of Gardeners needs to be enhanced to meet the requirement.
Maintaining Hygiene of existing Shops
The existing shops in the main bazar in front of the lake serve tea, beverages & eatables in unhygienic conditions. Awareness programs should be arranged to educate the shop keepers to maintain adequate hygiene standards.
* Improvement of road from Bajalta Chowk Sidhra to Surinsar
Proper road connectivity is key to prosperity of any place. Road from Bajalta Chowk Sidhra near Nescafe Cafe upto Surinsar having length of approximately 23 Kms has many sharp turns & bends. The gradient is also steep in certain stretches of hilly terrain, making the road journeyrisky & uncomfortable which discourages the visitors mainly, the Jammuites to visit Surinsar.
While taking up the development works in Surinsar, the improvement of this road which is the shortest link between Jammu to Surinsar also needs to be taken up simultaneously by smoothening the curves which will reduce the travel time and also ensure a comfortable journey which will lead to increased foot-fall thus, significantly contributing to the development of Surinsar.
Development of Surinsar-Mansar Corridor
There are two Projectsunder Surinsar-Mansar Corridor which after completion shall provide additional connectivity to Surinsar and boost religious tourism.
A. Tutan Di Khuie – Uttar Behani – Purmandal road
A corridor known as Tutan Di Khuie -Uttar Behani -Purmandal road is a World Bank Funded Project under JTFRP taking-off from Tutan Di Khuie,situated in Km 7th on SidhraSurinsar road, and connecting to village Kharra Madana on KaluchakPurmandal Road with 16 Km long road. This Project which is currently under wayshall after completion, reduce the distance fromSurinsarto Purmandal& Uttar Behni, places of religious importance.
B.Suketar Nandini Tara Keran Road
Suketar Nandini Tara Keran Road is another corridor which takes-off from village Suketar on Jammu Udhampur Road.This corridor can be extended to connect Surinsar by constructing a Bridge over river Tawi at Chilla village near Surinsar. DPR of this bridge has been prepared.
The pilgrimage of ShriMata Vaishno Devi can be diverted to thesecorridors to enable tourists to visit Surinsar& Mansar lakes and to other religious places inPurmandal& Uttar Behani.
These tourist circuits will promote religious tourism and parallelly raise the socio economic status of the inhabitants living in the vicinity by creating employment avenues and job opportunities for the local youth.
By implementing these measures, Surinsar can transform into a well-developed, sustainable, and revenue-generating tourist destination, benefiting both locals and authorities while preserving its natural & cultural heritage and can be an ideal place for Jammuites and people from adjoining places seeking solace in nature, quietness and tranquility, to freak out.
A well-planned infrastructure revamp can ensure that this gem gets the recognition it truly deserves.
I would conclude the agony of Surinsarwith the following couplet:
“Khubsurti meri sabkoyahankheench lati hai,
Per Haal-e-Wajood pe nazarkisi ki nahin jati hai”.
Hope my suggestions are found appropriate for implementation in the interest of holistic development of Surinsar which has been deprived of its due share, till now.
(The author is Retd. Chief Engineer)
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