Jammu stuck in traffic snarls

The traffic situation in the City of Temples continues to worsen day by day. Despite every effort by the Traffic Department to stremline it, there seems no respite from frequent traffic snarls, road skirmishes to the Jammuites.With the High Court tightening its noose over the local authorities for regulation and control of traffic in the wake of irksome traffic jams and increasing rate of road accidents the local administration is all geared up to take corrective measures. 

The Supreme Court has clearly stated that proper management and control of traffic is a matter of public safety and is a fundamental right for the purpose of Article 21 of the Constitution. The state High Court had issued directives to the State Government and local authorities earlier in 2006 for traffic management and pollution control in Jammu city.So many interwoven factors have contributed to the increasing chaos over the years.

Governments pursued neo-liberal reforms that not only increased the buying capacity of the middle class but also expended the markets to splurge. Automobiles being the most desirable commodity and a sign of prosperity among the middle class have seen a constant surge.

Jammu adds more than 20,000 new vehicle on its roads every year. The demand is even more and varied. Easy loans, cheaper models, dirty money have made it easier without giving a second thought."Dil Mangey More, This is my life" are the imbedded slogans of modern life.

Jammu city is a curious mix of old, new and the not so new. The old is thickly populated and alleys are narrow. Encroachment of public places, roads, side walks is very common. Inadequate parking adds to the chaos. Urban development has not kept pace with the surging automobiles.

Legal hassles like land acquisition have stalled the proposed construction of new flyovers, over bridges, links, parkings.Town planning and infrastructure for present and the future would be a key challenge for the governments keeping economic realities in mind. General public holds mini buses responsible for frequent jams and commuters are irritated with the drivers. "There are no fixed stops so our drivers have to board and alight passengers wherever they are asked to," says Jatinder Khajuria Provincial General Secretary, Minibus Worker Union. What used to be our stops are now a free parking, he adds. . Corruption in the motor vehicle department and the traffic police is an open secret. A mini bus owner pays Rs.100 a month as entry on every traffic point depending upon their number on a given route. "If we all pay collectively on a route, we also get a rebate from them. Two or three of us can ply for free in rotation, says Roshan Singh a minibus driver. . It relaxes them to play audio, overload passengers and other things like fitness of the vehicle. Danesh Rana, the D.I.G of police (Traffic), however, said corruption of this kind is collusive and both sides are equally culpable for this fix. "We have taken the most stringent action possible against the corrupt cops recently and won't spare any if such incident is brought to over notice by anybody. Keep your documents fit, obey rules and report us if anybody demands a bribe," he asserted.

Traffic police lacks modernization when it comes to checking violations. Alcosensors (Breath Analyzers), speed radars, lux meters digital still cameras, basic software for identifying habitual offenders are still nowhere in the proposed improvement. Traffic records have been computerized recently yet. Rate of issuing challans is very low as compared to wholesale violations. Intercepting eluding offenders is risky for both. Its like playing "Cops and robbers" in the absence of technology. A constable in the traffic police works for upto 14 hours on most days without an overtime for addition hours. The condition of traffic booths is pathetic.

"It's not possible to catch and punish every violator mostly who are young in the absence of stringent motor vehicle laws. They need to be amended so that the quantum of fines has a deterring effect," explained Rana. He assured that the police are going to install a GPS device in every registered motor vehicle to track its position with the help of satellite. Installation of traffic signals and signs has been entrusted to the JMC and hopefully it would be complete by the end of March, he added. "The Motor Vehicle Department has blocked the issuance of new permits to avoid congestion. Permits are issued only to favoured persons and there is a wide discrepancy between the fares and the increased cost of living" says a source in the Motor Vehicle Department Given the number of increasing automobiles the Motor Vehicle Department of the state works with less than 200 employees (Officers included) and generates a revenue of approximately 70 Crores a year. Ironically it has to live on the modernization doles from the Centre for basics like computerization.

Lack of administrative reforms and Transfer Raj is a serious impediment in the smooth functioning of authorities. Officers in the traffic police and the RTO admit the serious lack of coordination. Section 213 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 gives ample power to Motor Vehicle officers to carry out functions of the traffic police and are therefore answerable to a single head. Earlier in most of the states there was a fundamental budgetary bias: transport was treated as a non-planned expenditure head or implicitly an expenditure that did not result in any tangible benefits for the state.

It becomes imperative for State Governments to formulate an effective transport policy keeping in mind the realities of the last few decades. Cosmetics do not work long. A perfect hormonal balance is must to look graceful, and of course to stay young.

Trees and bushes of jammu kashmir

Trees and bushes are perennial source of greenery, sometimes evergreen, sometimes leafless, sometimes colourful, sometimes laden with snow. Flowering trees of J&K are many but majestic grandeur of Chinar trees is distinct in the green landscape of Kashmir. Botanically identified as Plantanus orientalis (Oriental Plane), Chinar tree changes moods in changing seasons, colourful to lush green, sometimes laden with sheen (snow). It stands planted in some locations of Jammu as well,it is seen planted in Kishtwar, Bhaderwh, Udhampur and even in Jammu. Willows and poplars also add to the charm, standing as sentinels all along roads, highway and canal banks. Locally called Veer and Frast in Kashmiri and Bedda and Safeda in Dogri, Willows and poplars add considerably to the economy of Jammu &Kashmir.

Mughal gardens of Kashmir Srinagar in particular boast of the appealing evergreen trees like Magnolia grandiflora which gets decorated with snowhite blooms of matchless grandeur during summer months. Jammu city has also added Magnolias in the parks and gardens .Magnolia liliflora/soulangena is another shubby plant bearing maroon flowers during early spring months. Magnolias are exotic to Kashmir but are nicely naturalized.

Sheepberries are wild as well as cultivated shrubs which are important source of wild food for our wildlife. These shrubs and small trees belong to Genus Viburnum. Viburnum grandiflorum, commonly called Kulmaansh in Kashmiri, Teldi or Tyond in Dogri and Guchh in Gojri is common in Shankracharya, Zabarwan, Dachigam, Doda,Poonch,Udhampur forests. When snow is about to melt, these bushes get decorated with fragrant pink blooms attraching all kinds of bees and insects. Its garden relative seen in Srinagar Colonies and parks is Viburnum opulus, commonly called as snowball or Guelder Rose of great handsome beauty. Its grandeur is exhilarating.Viburnum mullaha is also seen in Jammu forests,it is called Sallalan in Dogri,its fruits are blood red in colour.Viburnum cotinifolium is seen in Trikuta hills.

Roses are common shrubs with historic antiquity. Nurjahan who used to adore rose beauty is credited with the discovery of Attar of Roses. Several graden varieties have been naturalized over the years but our wild species are equally impotant as they decorate wilderness. Rosa brunonii commonly called "Musk Rose" is quite abundant in J&K hills and Kishtwar or Dachigam National Park. It is climbing rose with highly fragrant white blooms. Honey bees get attracted in thousands to add flavour to the honey collected. Rosa webbiana is another wild rose bush which produces attractive pink red blooms in the forest glades and shrubberies in our forests. Syringa is beautiful shrub of Kashmir, its wild species Syringa emodi is seen at tourist spots like Toshmaidan, Gulmarg, Sonamarg but stands introduced in Gardens of Kashmir. Department of Floriculture has added Syringa persica (Persian Lilac), Syringa vulgaris and Syringa laciniata to add colour and charm to the city landscape. Hydrangea is most popular garden shrub which bears pink and blue flower clusters arranged as attractive balls to attract visitors.

Buddlejas is a group of Butterfly bushes fondly growing in city landscape of Kashmir. Buddleja davidii is most attractive and is seen throughout.Buddleja asiatica with white fragrant blooms and Buddleja crispa with mauve pink blooms are seen in the wild and are native to Himalayas.

False witch Hazel, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana commonly called as Pohu or Hatab in Kashmiri grows wild in coniferous forests. It is most common in places like Bhaderwah, Bani, Poonch, Padder, Machel, Machhil, ,Dachigam, Kupwara, Pahalgam. Its utility in Kangri making makes this shrub important for Kashmir economy. Indigofera heterantha is also prized for Kangri making and grows throughout hills in J&K. Indigofera cassioides is another species found in Jammu region.

Wild walnut, Juglans regia is unique to J&K forests, seen commonly in Padder, Dachigam, Gurez forests. Alongwith its wild germplasm, walnuts are cultivated throughout Kashmir. Many cultural traditions are intimately linked with Walnut, commonly called Dun in Kashmiri. Another fascinating tree locally called Hundun or Handoon in Kashmiri,Bankhodi in Pahadi, Goon or Guggu in Dogri is Horse Chestnut Tree which is quite common in mountains. This tree has palmately lobed foliage fondly eaten by Kashmir Red Deer, Hangul, hence its name Handun means Walnut of Hangul. Trees are seen planted at few locations along highway between Khannabal to Batwara and Chashmashahi environs.

Catalpa bignonioides is another flowering tree seen planted in the city Environment of Srinagar. Judas tree is unique in bearing dense clusters of pink purple blooms when it is completely leafless. It has been introduced in Kashmir University Campus and at several places in Nishat, Shalimar and Chashmashahi Gardens of Srinagar.

Hawthorn is another tree which grows in Kashmir and is introduced in gardens for decoration. Botanically called Crataegus songarica, its Kashmiri name is Ringkul or Ring. It is a spiny tree of Rose family Rosaceae and produces white blooms and red fruits. Its another garden variety introduced in Chashmashahi Garden produces deep pink flowers during summer time.Cotoneaster bacillaris locally called Reu,Reunsar is another useful timber tree but also seen under worship at Jyodeaayan Mata Temple at Bani in J&K.Prunus cornuta and prunus cerasoides are wild species in Jammu forests,wood of latter is aromatic and used in religious and medicinal purposes.Prunus tomentosa locally called Bushkand is seen growing wild in Dachigam National Park,its fruits tastes like cherry and are useful for kidney ailments.

Among Acacias, Australian Acacia, False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) are seen in our city Environment. Oaks are not found wild in Kashmir but several species like Quercus leucotrichopora (White oak), Quercus baloot ( Holly oak), Quercus glauca ( Japanese Oak), Quercus floribunda ( Moru oak),Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak ) are seen in forests of Jammu.Quercus robur is seen planted in Dachigam area of Srinagar. Cypress, cupressus sempervirens and Royal Palm, Roystonea regia stand majestic in all old parks and gardens.

Trees are great asset to our surroundings as they add to aesthetic charm, fight vehicular pollution, act as green lungs and do carbon sequestration. Trees when in bloom attract birds, bees, butterflies and beetles for accomplishing pollination to effect seed production for perpetuating their progeny. Trees keep surroundings clean, green and healthy for human beings and add glory and charm to our survival mileu, God's greatest gifts indeed.

Machail Yatra

Bhaderwah and Kishtwar in Jammu province are dotted with a number of famous pilgrimage sites, all located in the lap of splendid nature. These sites attract thousands of people every year from all over the country. A visit to any pocket of the area richly endowed with nature’s wealth is a life time experience.

One such place, which is very significant both as a religious pilgrimage and also as a popular tourism circuit and is thronged by devotees in large numbers, is the shrine of Chandi Mata or Machail Wali Mata. “Chandi Mata” - the `Goddess of Benevolence’ showers blessing to all irrespective of caste, creed and colour.

Machail Yatra has become one of the most popular annual pilgrimages of the state after Amarnath Yatra and is organized every year during the month of August. This is in spite of the fact that the yatra started in the year 1980 when Thakur Kulvir Singh Jamwal began this yatra from his ancestral house at Chinote Bhaderwah to Machail in erstwhile Doda district which now falls in district Kishtwar.

There’s an interesting anecdote as how this yatra began. Thakur Kulvir Singh Jamwal, while talking to KTNS, narrated that he was serving in Jammu and Kashmir police department as Assistant Sub-inspector and was on his duty in Machail in the 1970s.

He was blessed with a child in January 1977 strangely he (child) would fall ill in the month of August every year and this continued from 1977-1980 when he saw a deity in his dream. He proceeded to Machail Yatra to pay his obeisance to the deity. Again he saw the deity in his dream who asked him to come back after some time. On August 10, 1980, he proceeded to yatra from Chinote Bhaderwah to Machail thereby making the beginning of the yatra which now holds a special place in the chronology of events in any calendar year in the state. He said that in 1980, he was accompanied by 25 members out of who 23 were the members of his family while two were employees from the police department. Then in 1981 and 1982, the yatra was led by Master Krishan Lal of Atholi, in 1983 it was led by Sewa Ram and in 1984, Nek Ram of Kishtwar led the Yatra. In 1985, Kulvir Singh again led the yatra from Chinote, Bhaderwah and after that the yatra became a regular feature from Bhaderwah. With each passing year, the number of pilgrims went on increasing. In 1985, we had a bus full of yatris, he recalled. Slowly and steadily the number of pilgrims proceeding to Yatra swelled to thousands. 

Now, a large number of devotees from across the state take part in the yatra. The mention of Machail yatra would be incomplete without the mention of “Trishul Bhaint” yatra, which has become an innate first step of main yatra.

The “Trishul Bhaint” yatra is organised by one Shimal Kumar Jain from Doda. Kulvir Singh informed that he had requested his friend Shimal Kumar Jain in 1986 to offer a Trishul (trident) for yatra. In response, Shimal Kumar brought a Trishul from Muradabad and offered him at Chinote in the form of procession (yatra) in 1986, that was the beginning of “Trishul Bhaint”  yatra.

Now the yatra is an annual feature. The “Trishul Bhaint” yatra leaves from Doda city to Chinote Bhaderwah every year on July 1. It is preceded by a Jagran at Radheysham Temple at Doda city on June 29 which is followed by break on June 30 and the next day i.e., July 1, the yatra leaves for Bhaderwah. In the Trishul Bhaint Yatra at least 50-60 buses leave Doda for Chinote. After reaching Chinote, the yatra is received and welcomed with great zeal by the local people at Chinote.

Enroute yatra, arrangement is made for drinking water and eatables at several places. The pilgrims after reaching Chinote pay obeisance to the deity (Chandi mata) which is followed by a Jagran and a langar (community lunch) after which the people leave for their homes.

Kulvir Singh told, “The trident (Trishul), which is brought from Doda, is then taken from Chinote to Machail, in the form of “Pavittar Chharri” (holy mace) after one month and 18 days of “pooja” at Chinote. The yatra which starts from Bhaderwah on August 18 is joined by people from Doda and other parts of the state at Pul Doda.  

According to a legend, the Goddess Chandi appeared at Machail in the shape of Shila (Pindi). The mother came here from her Mindhal Battas (HP) to bless the simple, ignorant, helpless and deprived people of Padder area.

The Machail Yatra is a unique pilgrimage with unique features. Besides spiritual, its social aspect is more effective and impressive where the devotees are asked to shun social evils for the welfare of society and mankind.

In Jammu, her temple is in Mahalaxmi Mandir at Pacca Danga. Yatra at Jammu region starts with a religious procession which passes through Jain Bazar, Link Road, Purani Mandi, Raghunath Bazar and Indira Chowk and then joins the yatra at Chinote Bhaderwah.

On the day of Machail yatra, the volunteers from Bhaderwah serve the yatris with eatables at Chandi Mata Mandir. They reach early morning at Chinote where they prepare lunch and prasad for those visiting from Jammu and other regions to join the yatra.

A number of buses in a cavalcade leave from Chinote and pass through Bhaderwah Seri Bazaar where the locals greet the yatris and wish them successful yatra for the peace in the area. The main stopover or reception stations en-route are established at Bhala, Pul Doda, Prem Nagar, Thathri, Kistwar, Paddar, Massu, Chishoti, Atholi Gulabgarh, Layondee, S Kunderpul, Chishoti, Hamooree and then at Machail Mata’s temple. Through out the route religious congregation and Bhandaras are organized to highlight the importance of the yatra. The yatra from Gulab Garh leaves on foot towards Machail which is about 30 km. 

The holy shrine of the Goddess Chandi is situated at a height of over 8,000 feet above the sea level in Machail village in Padder surrounded by high mountains, thick Deodar forests, attractive meadows and world famous sapphire mines.

The most attractive lion astride idols of the Goddess Chandi and Lakshmi Ji made of pure silver are a rare sight and source of inspiration for the pilgrims who come to seek blessing of Goddess.

The most important and impressive aspect of the Machail Yatra is the unique holy mace of the Goddess which leads the pilgrims and provides them with strength and inspiration enroute. Amidst natural splendour, the people trek the mountainous route chanting “jai maa chandi”, “jai maa chandi”. The entire yatra route is followed by river Chenab which was earlier called “Chandrabagha” which has an enchanting cascading flow here.

The route is a mix of plains and mountains, broad and narrow route, even somewhere the route is so narrow that only a single person can pass through. In the yatra route there is a place which is called “darshani darwaza” where the yatris keep their holy maces and perform pooja and then the holy mace is carried forward and the yatris follow. After reaching at the temple site a full night “jagran” is organised where after the people leave for their homes in the morning. Another important feature of the yatra is that after the yatra concludes, the holy mace is brought back and is placed in the “Mata Chandi’s temple at Chinote, Bhaderwah.   

                       

The Chandi Dham Machail has both Shiv and Shakti. On the one hand, the Goddess Chandi (Shakti) is blessing her devotees at Machail village while on the other hand there’s a Shiva Lingam on the opposite high mountain where the pilgrims visit to pay obeisance on the pious occasion of the Shakti yatra. The mountain is called Shiv Pahad which often remains covered with black clouds. The devotees describe it as a unique union of Shiva and Shakti at Machail.

Yet another beautiful aspect of the spiritual Machail Yatra, which gives an opportunity to have a union with the magnificent nature, is that it has strengthened the spirit of religious tolerance, bonds of secularism and mutual brotherhood among the masses which is apparent from the fact that even the Muslim brothers remain present in good strength to receive the Yatra where-ever it passes.

Mendhar Green Valley of Poonch

Mendhar is also known as 'The green valley of Poonch'. Presently, Mendhar is a tehsil of Poonch district located at the southern side of the district. The Tehsil is bounded by Shahstar range of mountains in the northern side; Bhimber Gali top in the east; Khandhar range of mountains in the southern side, while Poonch river divides the tehsil from the western side.

Before independence, Mendhar was the 4th tehsil of erstwhile Poonch principality with its headquarter at Dharmsal. This tehsil had an of 470 square miles besides 90 square miles area of Thakiala Prava. After partition the whole of Thakiala area came under Pakistan. In 1972 Mendhar tehsil was divided into two tehsils on administrative grounds namely tehsil Mendhar and tehsil Surankote. Presently, tehsil Mendhar is located exactly on the border. 14 villages of the tehsil are touching the LOC. The LOC is spread over 43 kilometers from Tarkundi in the east to Mandla in the south.

Tehsil Mendhar comprises of 57 inhabited villages and 64 panchayats. As per census 2001, the total population of Mendhar was 1.13 lacs, while the projected population of 2010 is 1.77 lacs. Out of the total population about 4500 belongs to Hindu and Sikh communities residing in Mendhar town, Bhera, Harni, Mankote, Sagra, Ari, Dharana, Gohlad etc. On the other hand, the villages located on the slopes of mountains and upper reaches are dominated by Gujjar and Bakerwal community. The population of Mendhar tehsil is considered more prosperous than the other areas of district Poonch. Mendhar is also known for the ancient Ramkund Temple of 8th century AD constructed by Raja Lalita Ditya of Kashmir, Ziarat Hazrat Pir Chhotey Shah Sakhi Maidan, Takiya Sharief of Hazrat Ghulam Shah Badshah, Kalaban and Ziarat Sharief Chhajla. Mendhar is also known for an Old Bowali of Harni where around 1680 AD, Lachamdass alias Banda Beragi of Rajouri had killed a female deer. Later on, he became the disciple of Tenth Guru Gobind Singh and fought a number of battles in Punjab. 

The history of Mendhar travels with the Indian civilization. As per a legend, Pandvas had visited Mendhar during their exile period. They had also constructed a very high tower at Mendhar near Sakhi Maidan. It is said that Kunti, the mother of Pandvas desired that she wanted to see her ancestral city Inderprast. Immediately, Bhima constructed so high a tower at Sakhi Maidan Mendhar, that Kunti could see her native town. There are a number of bowalies, ruins of Pandavas time in the tehsil. The legend goes that these monuments were constructed by the Pandavas.

As per the "History of India" by R.K Mukherji and "2500 years of Budhism" by P.V Bhapat one Greek Governor Manindra (161 BC-130 BC) was ruling Punjab. In those days Mendhar area was a part of his kingdom. Manindra had revolted against Greeks and declared himself as an independent ruler. Since the whole population of his kingdom was the believer of Budhism at that time, therefore, Manindra was also interested in Budhist philosophy. He had approached many priests and interacted with them about Budhism. But no monk was in a position to convince him in discussion. It was by chance he met a Budhist monk namely Naga Sinha who replied all the questions raised by Manindra about Budhism. At the end of this discussion Manindara was filled with spiritual joy and became a disciple of Naga Sinha. 

P.V Bapat writes that Manindra had build a monastery in memory of his discussion with Naga Sinha and named it as Manindra Vihara. Mr. A Koul in his book 'Budhism in Kashmir' writes that the discussion between Naga Sinha and Manindra was held in the southern side of Kashmir valley about 20 yojans from the valley. The famous book on Budhism "Malinda Panaha" written by King Manindra refers to his intimate knowledge of Kashmir and its surrounding areas. Jyotisher Pathic, a renowned writer of Jammu writes in one of his articles published in "Sheraza" Urdu that the place where the discussion between Naga Sinha and Manindra was held is present Mendhar valley of Poonch. There is an old structure in Mendhar at Sakhi Maidan. The architecture of this structure is Indo Greek in style. It clearly indicates that in the ancient time this was a monastery. Presently, this whole valley is known as Mendhar. The local legend goes that the name of Mendhar is after the name of a King. These facts reveal that this King was Manindra, who had constructed a Manindra Vihara at present Sakhi Maidan where the discussions between Manindra and Naga Sinha had taken place. It appears that this place was initially named as Maninder Vihara. Later on with the passage of time it became Manindra which changed to Mendhar.

In 850 AD, when Poonch principality was established by Nara, Mendhar was a part of this principality. This principality remained intact upto 1452 AD when Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin captured the outer hills of Pir Panchal region and established a new outer hill state Poonch-Nowshera under the name of Bhaya Desa Vinah. Mendhar also became a part of this new principality. In 1596 AD a newly converted Muslim Saraj-ud-Din Rathore became the Raja of Poonch principality on the order of Emperor Akbar. Mendhar area came under his control. From 1596 to 1819 AD Poonch remained the principality of Rathore Rajas and Sangu Gujjar Rajas and Mendhar was the part of this principality. In 1852 AD Maharaja Gulab Singh of J&K nominated his nephew Mian Moti Singh, the Raja of Poonch. Moti Singh came to Poonch and established a new principality. Mendhar valley became a part of this principality along with Thakiala Prava area of Kotli. C.E Bats writes in his book 'The Gazetteer of Kashmir' that in 1872 AD, Mendhar was a township and known as Dharamsal with hundred houses on the right bank of Mendhri stream having mixed population. In 1905 AD Capitan R.E.A Hamilton completed the first settlement of Poonch. On administrative grounds, he divided the principality into four tehsils and Mendhar became the largest tehsil in area of the principality. This tehsil also remained a large grain producer of Poonch upto 1947.

During the happening of 30th July 1931 AD in Kashmir, the uprising also started in Poonch area especially in Mendhar tehsil. On 2nd January 1932, the people of Thakiala Prava of Mendhar revolted against the state government and marched towards Poonch. The Raja Jagat Dev Singh of Poonch with the help of Muslim Suddans of tehsil Plandri succeeded in subsiding the revolt but the movement of Kashmir had given birth to a strong political leadership in Mendhar headed by Sardar Fateh Mohd Khan Karelvi. In 1932 AD on the recommendations of Glancy Commission 75 members Legislative Assembly had come into existence under the name of Praja Sabha. Three seats were alloted to Poonch principality. Sardar Fateh Mohd Khan Karelvi of Mendhar was elected MLA from Haveli-Mendhar constituency. He was again elected to Praja Sahba in 1937. During the turmoil of 1947 Mendhar tehsil was captured by the rebel forces and Pakistani Army under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Rehmatulla, a deserter of state forces. About two thousand Hindu and Sikh had become hostage to rebel forces. In this crucial time, Sardar Fateh Mohd Khan Karelvi played a vital role and protected hundreds of Hindu families and helped them to mgrate to Indian side. In 1948 AD, operation link up was started by India forces from Rajouri towards Poonch under the command of Brigadier Yadav Nath Singh. The Indian forces after capturing an important hill top Pir Bardeshwar on 14th October and Pir Kaleva on 26th October in Rajouri area moved towards Mendhar via Manjakote. Bhimber Gali was taken over on 8th November 1948. At that time Mendhar town was the centre of rebel forces and Pakistan army. But Indian forces continued their advance via Mendhar towards Poonch. On 20th November Pir Topa an important feature in Mendhar was captured. On 23rd November Indian forces moved via Jhakha Gali, stormed Mendhar town and captured it. In the next few days all the important hill tops of Khandar range from Balakote upto to Daruchian were taken and Mendhar tehsil was liberated. Presently, the green valley, Mendhar of district Poonch is leading the other areas in over all developmental scenario and political setup.

Hudh Mata shrine in Kishtwar

The holy shrine of Shri Hudh Mata located in the lap of famous Brahma Peak, said to be abode of Lord Brahma, at a height of about 13000 ft from the sea level in village Nanth Nalah of Illaqa Dachhan, on the northern side of District HQ Kishtwar and Western side of high altitudinal Zanskar, Ladakh is also an abode of Shiv Parivar i.e. Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati and Lord Ganesha. ( Nara Nag Temples )

Amid the picturesque snow peaked mountains, water falls, pastures, lush green flora and fauna of the surroundings, there is a small cave where three naturally formed Shivlingams exist like that of Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district. Milky-lime water is dripping on them from the sealing of the cave through naturally formed nipples of udders. There used to be a very small pond, kund inside the cave and with the help of torch light images of different Devi - Devtas could be seen. Mostly the images of Shiv Parivar were seen, some times jointly and some time separately. The amazing thing was that if one devotee saw the image of Lord Shiva, other could not see the same. He could see the image of Mata Parvati or Lord Ganesh or any other Devi, Devta. Unfortunately that pond was broken by some one and does not exist now. Such images can now be seen in another Pond (water bouli) on the top of the cave where Mata Bhawan is constructed. These images cannot be caught in camera nor can these be videographed, but the pilgrims who pay obeisance in the shrine have these darshans and later on they tell that they have had the Darshan of such and such Devi, Devta which means that they have seen the images of different Devi, Devtas in the pious water of bouli. Besides, one can see pairs of pigeons mostly seen in natural Shiv shrines and a live snake is found near the cave and the devotees feel lucky and delighted after having their glimpses.  ( God and Man )

At a short distance from this holy shrine, there flows Trisandhya Nadi (stream) miraculously thrice a day from the top of a hill, and it also cease to exist naturally. The water is luke warm. It is not a regular flowing stream like other streams and mostly remains dry. The volume of the water is so much that it can run a mill. There is neither any lake nor any pond on the top of the hill where from the water could spill. As per Hindu mythology Trisandhya means three times of worship i.e. early morning, noon and evening prayers. Another astonishing fact is that water starts decreasing from the bottom of the stream towards upperside which should have been otherwise as a normal course. One can see the water coming from the upper side but receding from the bottom. After 1 or 2 hours flow not a single drop of water is seen in the stream. This is really a amazing glimpses, perhaps seen no where else. To have a bath in this miraculous stream is considered lucky and auspicious because some times it does not flow as per its routine and the devotees return disappointed and without having a pious bath.

As per a local myth, it is believed that after yogic self immolation of Mata Parvati in the Yagya of his father, Daksh Prajapati, Lord Shiva, on coming to know about this mis-happening reached the Yagya sathal and destroyed it and beheaded his father-in-law Daksh Prajapati. He took her dead body on his shoulders and wandered in the universe. At last He reached this place with some portion of the dead body which by then had been cut into 52 pieces by Lord Vishnu with his Sudershan Chakra. On reaching this place, He disappeared alongwith the dead body in this holy place.

Due to lack of motorable road connectivity from Patimhalla to Dachhan, the shrine has remained unknown to the rest of the State and the world. And does not find place in the religious tourist map of the State, country.
To pay obeisance to the deity and get the blessings of the Goddess, a yearly yatra namely Shri Hudh Mata (Trisindhya) Yatra is being arranged since early eighties. However due to lack of proper publicity, the Yatra has remained restricted to Kishtwar district only. But now, many pilgrims from outside the district and even State have started visiting the shrine during yatra days.

This year the Yatra shall start from Gouri Shankar Mandir Kishtwar on 14 July. Pious Charri shall be taken from Shri Radha Krishan Mandir village Sounder (Dachhan) on 15 July with haltages at Virat Mata Mandir Dilgoot (Panjdhara) Googath and will reach the Bhawan on 18 July. On the said day pilgrims shall have a bath in the pious water of Trisindhya stream. After performing Havan and offering Puran Ahuti on 18.07.2010 the Yatris shall return their homes at about 12 noon. ( Pandrethan Temple )

Pilgrims have to travel about 50/60 kms on foot to perform the Yatra. If Patimhalla - Dachhan motorable road is constructed, it can reduce the journey by 50 percent and the devotees shall have to travel only 25 - 30 kms on foot.

How to reach the shrine.
If any devotees, wants to perform this yatra, he should reach Gouri Shanker Mandir, Kishtwar on 3rd Thithi of Ashard Shukla Paksh. On 4th Thithi, yatris from Kishtwar and outside the District proceed towards Sounder village, the base camp of the Yatra, where from Chari Mubarak is taken on 5th Thithi. It reaches the holy shrine on 7th Thithi.

worlds highest motorable pass

World's highest motorable pass are ocated in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. some time back Ladakh used to be an alien place for us and we had only heard of the great warrier General Zorawar Singh's expeditions to Tibet through Ladakh through our elders.

Khardung La (La means “ Mountain Pass ” in Tibetan language) is located at an altitude of 18,380 feet above sea level. The local pronunciation is "Khardong La" or "Khardzong La," but, as with most names in Ladakh, the spelling varies. Historically, it is quite important, as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Chinese Central Asia . The pass itself lies North of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys (the latter is home to the Siachen Base camp). A branch of the famous Silk Route used to pass through Khardung La centuries back. The Yakandis, Tsaqandis and Mongolians used to bring merchandise like silk goods, opium, and carpets to Leh, which has been a central business place. And in exchange they would take Indian cotton clothes, raw cotton, sugar, gur etc.

About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen in the area north of the pass, mute witnesses to history. During World War II there was a futile attempt to transfer war material to China through this route.

When Ladakh came under British rule, a Joint Commissioner was appointed during 1867 to look after the administration. The Britishers also gave due attention to this route and maintained the bridle path over Khardung La. The motorable road was constructed during sixties and was opened to motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. The wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, and the Siachen Glacier issue gave further importance to the Khardung La road.

The journey to Khardung La from Leh is 37 kms and takes about one-and-half-hours to reach. The first 24 km as far as the South Pullu check point, are paved. From there to the North Pullu check point about 15 km beyond the pass the roadway is primarily loose rock, dirt, and occasional rivulets of snow melt.

From North Pullu into the Nubra Valley , the road is very well maintained (except in a very few places where washouts or falling rock occur). Hired vehicles (2 and 4-wheel-drive), heavy trucks, and motorcycles regularly travel into the Nubra Valley , though special permits may need to be arranged for travellers to make the journey.

At south Pullu an army TCP stops all the vehicles and an entry is made in their registers. If you are moving only up to Khardung La, you don’t need an Inner Line Permit (the permit to visit some prohibited areas). But if you are planning to move across Khardung La, then an ILP is compulsory and it can be obtained either from the Leh Deputy Commissioner or the SSP’s office. ( Dal Lake )

In South Pullu , one finds some facilities that seem to be a luxury in this difficult terrain - a tea shop, rest rooms, hot water etc. One can never imagine that sipping a hot cup of tea can be so heavenly in cold dizzy heights.Khardung La is a mini tourist stop with jeeps and bikes, and even a souvenir shop! Most travellers go up to Khardung La only to see the world’s highest motorable pass, buy some souvenirs from the souvenir shop, click some pictures and come back.

There is a temple of Lord Shiva at the top. The soldiers crossing the Pass stop here and pay their obeisance to the Lord of the Himalayas . The Tibetan Religious Flags with mantras on them flutter atop the Pass. The general belief here is that with the wind, these mantras spread to all the directions taking with them good positive vibrations.

There is a "Rinchen tea stall" at K-Top that serves some high altitude tea and snacks - mainly Maggi noodles. Other than that the main thing to do here is to take a photo next to the “World’s Highest Motorable Road ” sign. Acute Mountain Sickness is a serious risk and visitors are not recommended to spend too long at the top. But needless to say, the views from the top are stunning. Due to its sheer height, the pass gives you jaw dropping views of deep valleys and narrow twisting roads and high altitude traffic jams.

On the other side, after crossing the Pass is North Pullu . From South Pullu to the North Pullu check-point about 10 kms beyond the pass the roadway is primarily loose rock, dirt, and occasional rivulets of melted snow, mainly because the Pass remains snowbound all the time.

It is very difficult to cross the Pass in winter, especially for big vehicles like the Stallion of the army, as many feet of snow accumulate here. And then the snow freezes on the road making the vehicle prone to skidding. Chains are tied to the tyres to prevent the vehicles from skidding off the road and also facilitate them to move through the snow.Though Khardung La receives heavy snowfall, the Himank (Border Roads Organization) keeps it open round the year as all the essential supplies to Siachen troopers go from here only.

If you are traveling to Khardung La, the ideal time is summer. Do take an ample stock of batteries with you as extreme cold conditions tend to exhaust your batteries. And don’t forget to cover yourself well, especially your head as one faces drowsiness, hangovers, high altitude fever, vomiting when traveling through this high altitude region.Road connectivity to the Pass is through Manali and Srinagar and daily flights operate from Delhi and bi-weekly from Jammu . From Leh, a daily bus service to Nubra Valley plies through Khardung La.

Phalsa cultivation in Jammu

We can redress the problem of ecology and economy in Jammu region to a greater extent, if we go for Phalsa cultivation. Phalsa is a type of berry found in Shivaliks of Jammu.Firstly for ecology of the Shivaliks it is a soil binder, prevents erosion, it helps in recharging ground water by harvesting rain water thereby preventing flash floods and conserves water. By itself it is drought resistant and can survive even thrive on rainfall of the Shivaliks which is over 1200 mm yearly. Its leaves are ideal fodder. It does not demand any special effort except a fence to protect it from cattle.

It is a medicinal plant with the following characteristics and usages:-
* Leaves are known to have antibiotic action and are applied on skin eruptions.
* Fruits are a cooling tonic and aphrodisiac; they allay thirst and burning sensations, remove biliousness, cure inflammation, heart and blood disorders and fevers. The fruit is astringent and stomachic.
* Administered in respiratory, cardiac and blood disorders as well in fever reduction.
* Infusion of bark is given as demulcent, febrifuge and treatment for diarrheoa. It cures urinary troubles and relieves burning in the vagina. The root bark is employed in treating rheumatism.
* The phalsa seeds produce approximately 5% yield of a bright yellow oil that contains % palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and major component is linoleic acid

Secondly, Economy : It is planted 10 feet apart line to line and plant to plant with a density of 1000 plants per Hectare (50 plants per kanal & 400 per acre). Each plant gives an average of 4 kg of fruit in the month of Jun which is selling at Rs. 100 per kg today in Jammu i.e. Rs. 400 per plant worth Rs. 4 lacs per Hectare. Even if the farmer gets Rs. 50 per kg he would earn 2 lacs every year besides providing Rs. 60,000 to the local landless labour particularly women who pluck the fruit at Rs. 15 per kg at Suchani. There cannot be anything better for income generation in Kandi area which has a very large population without resource and sources of income generation and employment. Hamdard and other herbal industry including Pepsi are interested in developing Phalsa as herbal drink "Shivalik Berry" like Leh Berry now selling in Army Canteen, Airways & Railways.

It has a great potential and now Ghulam Nabi Azad Union Minister for Health has promised full support to develop herbal and medicinal plants in the State and at the same time Phalsa has been included in the State Horticulture programme. Now is the time to go all out and plant hundreds of acres of phalsa in the kandi which should extend to thousands and later lacs of acres of phalsa cultivation from Ravi to Rajouri which is the answer to our economy (employment) and ecology and environment of a tourist State which has a ready market of a crore of pilgrims to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi,Shri Amarnath Ji and other shrines and tourists for these herbal products through kiosks on the National Highway from Lakhanpur to Katra, Pahalgam and Baltal offering Aloevera juice,Ashwagandha andTrifla churans which have already caught the imagination of the health conscious Indians, Thanks to Swami Ram Dev and the call for Ayurveda from the West. Let us make our State a herbal State and start with Jammu region this year 2009.ious Indians. Thanks to Swami Ram Dev Ji and the call from Ayurveda from the West. Let us make the State a herbal State and start with Jammu region this year 2009.

Let Phalsa (Shivalik Berry) be on focus in the Shivaliks during the Environment Month this year.It can indeed transform the Shivalik Kandi into a green oasis which will take care of ecology and economy of the region through self employment.