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Ganderbal district | |
---|---|
Coordinates(Ganderbal): 34°14′N74°47′E / 34.23°N 74.78°E | |
Administering country | India |
Union territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
Headquarters | Ganderbal |
Area | |
• Total | 1,059 km2 (409 sq mi) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 297,446 |
• Density | 280/km2 (730/sq mi) |
Demonym(s) | Shahruk, Ganderbaluk, Ganderbali, Ganderbalia, Ganderbalian |
Languages | |
• Official | Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English language [2] [3] |
• Other | Pahari, Gujari, Shina, Balti, Pashto |
Time zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Pincode | 191201 |
Area code | 194 |
ISO 3166 code | 0194 |
Vehicle registration | JK-16 |
Website | ganderbal |
The Ganderbal district, is an Indian-administered district in Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. [1] It was formed in 2007 and has 6 subdistricts (tehsils): Kangan, Ganderbal, Tullamulla, Wakura, Lar, and Gund. [4]
There are many lakes in the Gandergal district both plain and alpine varieties, which include over 100 alpine lakes [5]
Some of the plain lakes are: [6]
Alpine lakes:
Lar town stands out for its grape cultivation, yielding the highest production in the entire valley. This has given Ganderbal the title of the Grape Town of Kashmir. [7]
The Ganderbal district, particularly the Sherpathri belt, is renowned as the Wicker Hub of Kashmir due to its distinctive wicker artisans. Spanning nearly 25 small hamlets, most of the population in this area is associated with the craft of wickerwork. These craftsmen create a variety of items, including chairs, sofas, baskets, flower vases, and kitchen essentials, using locally sourced willow reeds [8]
Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the goddess Bhavani, constructed over a spring in Tulmul village. The name of the temple is derived from both the rice pudding (kheer) that is used as an offering, and the goddess it is offerred to.
The Naranag Temple [9] located near Harmukh Mountain, holds historical significance as an ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Historians suggest that it was commissioned by the eighth-century ruler Lalithdatiya Muktapid and has been associated with religious practices for centuries. While its impressive architecture reflects the craftsmanship of its builders from the eighth century, the temple currently faces challenges of preservation and maintenance. Despite recent efforts by the government to construct protective walls, the site remains in a state of disrepair, with only faint traces of its former glory surviving. While acknowledging its cultural and historical importance, it's essential to recognize the need for ongoing efforts to ensure its preservation and relevance for future generations.
Ganderbal district, has its district headquarters located at 33°44′N75°09′E / 33.73°N 75.15°E in the town of Ganderbal, [10] is at an average elevation of 1,950 metres (6,400 ft) above mean sea level. The town is at a distance of 21 kilometres (13 mi) from Srinagar city. The total geographical area of Ganderbal district is 1,059 km2 (409 sq mi). [11]
The mountainous Ganderbal district is spread across the Sind River. It is the only river in Jammu and Kashmir on which three hydroelectric power stations are functional, and provides water for irrigation. 80% of the population [12] of the district is engaged with farming. The river sand (bajri), often mixed with cement, it produces is of high value.
Harmukh is the highest peak in the region and Gangbal the largest alpine lake.
The district currently has six subdistricts (tehsils): [4] [13]
It is further divided into nine CD blocks: Ganderbal, Wakura, Lar, Kangan, Gund, Sherpathri, Phaag, Manigam and Batwina. [13] [14] Each block consists of a number of panchayats. Ganderbal District has 2 assembly constituencies: Kangan and Ganderbal. [13] [15]
Ganderbal district: religion, gender ratio, and % urban of population, according to the 2011 Census. [17] | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hindu | Muslim | Christian | Sikh | Buddhist | Jain | Other | Not stated | Total | |
Total | 5,592 | 290,581 | 406 | 486 | 25 | 8 | 4 | 344 | 297,446 |
1.88% | 97.69% | 0.14% | 0.16% | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.12% | 100.00% | |
Male | 5,182 | 152,571 | 255 | 458 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 231 | 158,720 |
Female | 410 | 138,010 | 151 | 28 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 113 | 138,726 |
Gender ratio (% female) | 7.3% | 47.5% | 37.2% | 5.8% | 24.0% | 87.5% | 25.0% | 32.8% | 46.6% |
Sex ratio (no. of females per 1,000 males) | 79 | 905 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 874 |
Urban | 389 | 46,498 | 53 | 38 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 57 | 47,039 |
Rural | 5,203 | 244,083 | 353 | 448 | 22 | 8 | 3 | 287 | 250,407 |
% Urban | 7.0% | 16.0% | 13.1% | 7.8% | 12.0% | 0.0% | 25.0% | 16.6% | 15.8% |
At the time of the 2011 census, 68.92% of the population spoke Kashmiri, 20.21% Gojri, 3.49% Pashto, 2.61% Pahari and 1.31% Hindi as their first language. Balti and Shina are also spoken by small populations in the high mountains. [18]
The Ganderbal district is located in valley of the Sindh River, also known as Nallah Sindh. It is rich in landscape and is often called the District of Lakes, as it possesses the highest number of lakes in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sonamarg, a renowned hill station located 80 kilometers from Srinagar. At an altitude of 2,800 meters, offers breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains, alpine meadows, and the picturesque Sindh River. Hosting the International Championships of Rafting on the Sindh River, it attracts adventure enthusiasts from around the world. However, alongside its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Sonamarg faces challenges such as seasonal variations and environmental problems. Despite these challenges, the area has seen development in the form of private hotels offering modern amenities for visitors. Additionally, Sonamarg serves as a starting point for numerous treks to high altitude lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, and Gangabal, renowned for their abundant trout populations.
Manasbal Lake, located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north west of Ganderbal, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Spanning 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) long and 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide. It is located in the Jhelum valley, north of Srinagar city. Named after Lake Manasarovar. [19] it is encircled by three villages: Jarokbal, Kondabal and Ganderbal with a depth of 13 m or 43 ft one of the deepest lakes in the Kashmir valley.
The lake is renowned for its large growth of lotus plants, which bloom during July and August, enhancing the beauty of its clear waters. Additionally, the Mughal garden known as Garoka, built by Nur Jahan, offers stunning views of the lake. [20]
Manasbal Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting one of the largest natural habitats for aquatic birds in Kashmir. Despite its natural beauty and ecological significance, the lake faces challenges such as environmental degradation and tourism-related pressures. [21]
Accessing the lake from Srinagar involves a 30-kilometer road journey via Shadipur, Nasim, and Ganderbal. The road to Wular Lake, Kashmir's largest lake, passes through Manasbal, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the region's diverse water bodies and natural landscapes. [19]
Prang village is 12 kilometres far from the central hub (beehama) of district Ganderbal, towards the east. Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH 1D) passes right through the middle of this village. This village falls under the jurisdiction of tehsil Kangan.[ citation needed ]
The Prang garden used to be the picnic spot in 1990's before army came and established the base camp there. However, the army camp was later evacuated from the garden in the year 2008. This garden is situated on the banks of the famous Sindh River, and forested slopes are on the other side of the garden adding more charm to its beauty. The famous Environmental park (usually known as the "dumping park") is in the adjacent village of Prang.[ citation needed ]
This village is considered as the main hub for its adjacent areas. The adjacent areas of this village are "Lari Prang, Check Prang, Herra Prang, Pati Prang and dragtung".[ citation needed ]
Mohand Marg is an alpine meadow in the Lar tehsil. In summer it is a tourist destination for trekking and camping. Sir Aurel Stein was the first person to explore the place, pitching his camp in the summer of 1895. [22] [23] [24] [25]
It is hidden in the mountains to the north of Srinagar at the foot of Haramukh Peaks about 25 kilometers from Srinagar via the Ganderbal road towards Leh. From the road it is accessed via 5 kilometer trek up a steep path through the hill-side settlements and fields of Lar and Chount Waliwar before the 'Marg' opens out across the mountain side giving views of the Sindh Valley far below in one direction and the Valley of Kashmir in the other.
Harmukh (also known as Mount Haramukh or Harmukh mountain) is a mountain with a peak elevation [26] of 16,890 ft (5,148 metres), in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Harmukh is part of the Himalaya Range, and is located between Sindh River to its south and Kishanganga River to its north. It rises above the Gangabal Lake in the vicinity of Kashmir Valley. [27] It is more hazardous to reach Mount Haramukh from the east and south side of Ganderbal and has never been climbed from these sides; thus, it is mostly climbed in the north-west from the Arin Bandipore side.
Harmukh was first climbed by the Great Trigonometric Survey's Thomas Montgomerie in 1856 and made the first survey of the Karakoram some 210 km (130 miles) to the south, and sketched the two most prominent peaks, labelling them K1 and K2. [28] Harmukh was later climbed by many other climbers. [29] Therefore, Harmukh is the mountain from which the world's second highest mountain peak K2 was discovered and the Serveyer's mark K2 continues to be the name.
Gangabal Lake, also called Gangbal Lake, is a lake situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh (one of the highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley) [30] in Ganderbal district, north of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake, [31] and is home to many types of fishes [32] of which one is the brown trout. [33]
The lake has a maximum length of 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) and maximum width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs. The lake water outflows to a nearby small lake (Nundkol) [34] and then via Wangath nullah [35] to Sindh River. [36] The trout fishes are present in the lake. [37] Gangabal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag [38] and then a 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) track upslope.
Shallabugh Wetland, situated in the Shallabugh village of Kashmir valley, is a haven of natural beauty and ecological significance. It was declared as a Ramsar Site recently. Spanning across acres of marshy terrain, this wetland plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental equilibrium. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous species of migratory birds, offering them a seasonal refuge during their journeys. The wetland's diverse flora and fauna contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The villages of Ganderbal district include:
The colleges and universities located in the District of Ganderbal include:
Anantnag district is an administrative district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is one of ten districts which make up the Kashmir Valley. The district headquarters is Anantnag city. As of 2011, it was the third most populous district of Jammu and Kashmir, after Jammu and Srinagar.
Baramulla district or Varmul is one of the 20 districts in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. Baramulla town is the administrative headquarters of this district. The district covered an area of 4,588 km2 (1,771 sq mi) in 2001, but it was reduced to 4,243 km2 (1,638 sq mi) at the time of 2011 census. In 2016, the district administration said that the area was 4,190 km2 (1,620 sq mi). Muslims constitute about 98% of the population.
The Drang-Drung Glacier is a mountain glacier near the Pensi La pass on the Kargil-Zanskar Road in the Kargil district of Ladakh in India.
Ganderbal is a town and a municipality committee in Ganderbal District in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the headquarters of Ganderbal district. It is in Central Kashmir; it has an average elevation of 1,619 metres. It is bordered by district Srinagar District in the south, Bandipora District to the north, Kargil in the northeast, Anantnag District to the southeast, and Baramulla District in the southwest. The current District Magistrate of Ganderbal is Mr. Shyambir Singh (IAS). Ganderbal is renowned for its beauty, boasting numerous picturesque places and captivating landscapes. Sonamarg is the most famous place in Ganderbal; Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is also traversed through Ganderbal district.
Sonamarg or Sonmarg, known as Sonamarag in Kashmiri, is a hill station located in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located about 62 kilometers from Ganderbal Town and 80 kilometres (50 mi) northeast of the capital city, Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley, Sindh Valley and Lidder Valley. Some major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir are Srinagar, with its renowned Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Bhaderwah, Patnitop and Jammu. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had a significant impact on the state's economy.
Mt Harmukh is a mountain with a peak elevation of 5,142 metres (16,870 ft), in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Harmukh is part of the Himalayas Range and is located between Sind River in the south and Kishanganga River in the north, rising above Gangabal Lake in the vicinity of Kashmir valley. It is mostly climbed from the northwestern side of Arin, via Kudara, Bandipore. Harmukh is considered sacred in Hinduism.
Bandipore district is an administrative district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is one of the 20 districts in the Jammu and Kashmir. Bandipore town is the administrative headquarters of the district. Bandipore is located in the foothills of the snow-clad peaks of Harmukh overlooking the shores of Wular Lake and has produced hundreds of scholars and intellectuals. The district is known for its tourist places such as Wular Vintage Park, Athwatoo and Gurez valley. Before 1947, this town was a big trade and literary centre of Kashmir. This district was carved out from the erstwhile Baramulla district in 2007. The district is bounded by Kupwara district from the north, Baramulla district from west and Kargil district in Ladakh and Ganderbal district from the east. This district occupies an area of 398 km2. The district has a population of 392,232 as per 2011 census.
Kangan is a town located near Ganderbal, in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the tehsils in District Ganderbal. It is situated across the Nallah Sindh and spread over a 50-km-long gorge valley, with population of 120,934 and literacy rate of 52.8% and sex ratio 868 per thousand males. Widely regarded for its beauty, it is surrounded by various picnic spots like Sonamarg and Naranag.
The Gangabal Lake, also called Haramukh Ganga, is an alpine high-altitude oligotrophic lake situated at the foot of Mount Haramukh in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The lake has a maximum length of 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) and maximum width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs and is home to many species of fish, including the brown trout. Water from the lake outflows into the nearby Nundkol Lake and then into the Sind River via Wangath Nallah. This lake is considered sacred in Hinduism as one of the abodes of Shiva, and Kashmiri Hindus perform an annual pilgrimage to the lake called Harmukh-Gangabal Yatra.
The Sind River or the Sindh River is a river in the Ganderbal district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a major tributary of the Jhelum River and is 108 km (67 mi) long.
The Gadsar Lake, also called Yemsar, is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir Division in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It has an elevation of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft), a maximum length of 0.85 km and maximum width of 0.76 km.
The Krishansar Lake is an alpine high elevation oligotrophic lake situated near Sonamarg, in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir in India at an elevation of 3,710 metres (12,170 ft). It is located less than one kilometer northwest of Vishansar Lake, and has a maximum length of 0.95 km and maximum width of 0.6 km.
The Kashmir division is a revenue and administrative division of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It comprises the Kashmir Valley, bordering the Jammu Division to the south and Ladakh to the east. The Line of Control forms its boundary with the Pakistani-administered territories of Gilgit−Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the north and west and west, respectively.
Naranag or (Nara Nag) is a tourist village and ancient Hindu pilgrimage site, near Ganderbal town in the Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Well known for its ancient but pillaged temple ruins complex, it is located around 8 km from Kangan, 6 km upstream from the Sind River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Mount Haramukh 16,870 ft and Gangabal Lake. The village lies at the left bank of the Wangath river, which is a tributary of the Sind River. Tourism hut at Naranag for any information and assistance tourism officials are available and hut is also provide for accommodation.
The Sind Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley of the Kashmir Valley in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The entrance of the Sind Valley lies 33 kilometres (21 mi) northeast of Srinagar the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a 65 kilometres (40 mi) long gorge valley with an average width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi).
The Nundkol Lake or Nund Kol also known as Nandi Kund and Kalodaka Lake is an oligotrophic alpine lake situated in Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This lake is considered sacred by Hindus.
The Satsar Lake or Sat Sar consists of seven small alpine lakes situated in Ganderbal district of the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Beehama is a village located in the central area of district Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated 18 km (11 mi) from Srinagar. The route of Beehama leads towards Kheer Bhawani, Manasbal, Sonamarg, Gadsar, Harmukh Mountain and Gangbal.
Sherpathri or Shairpathri(شیر پتھری) is one of the Blocks in District Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was formed in 2014 by the J&K Govt and is located at a distance of 5 km from the main town. There are total of 7 Blocks in Ganderbal District. Sherpathri Consists of 5 Halqas viz; Gogjigund, Sehpora, Rabitar, Shallabugh and Hakim Gund. Mr. Rafeeq Ahmad Wani is currently the Naib Tehsildar Sherpathri.