Ganderbal | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 View of Ganderbal town | |
  Ganderbal Location in Jammu and Kashmir Show map of Jammu and Kashmir Ganderbal Ganderbal (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates:34°14′N74°47′E / 34.23°N 74.78°E /34.23; 74.78 | |
| Country |  India |
| Union Territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| District | Ganderbal |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,049 km2 (405 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,619 m (5,312 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 297,446 |
| • Density | 1,148/km2 (2,970/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Ganderbali, Ganderbalian, Ganderbaluk, Ganderbalia |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kashmiri,Urdu,English[1][2] |
| • Spoken | Kashmiri,Pahari,Gujari,Shina,Balti,Pashto |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Postal code | 191201 |
| Vehicle registration | JK16 |
| Website | ganderbal |
Ganderbal (Urdu pronunciation:[ɡɑːnd̪əɾbəl] ;Kashmiri pronunciation:[ɡaːnd̪arbal]) is a city and the headquarters ofGanderbal district in the Indian-administered union territory ofJammu and Kashmir, in disputedKashmir region. Ganderbal, known for its natural environment and scenery, has tourist sites likeSonamarg andManasbal Lake, and the annualAmarnathYatra pilgrimage also traverses through Ganderbal district.
Ganderbal is located at34°14′N74°47′E / 34.23°N 74.78°E /34.23; 74.78.[3] It has an average elevation of 1,619 metres (5,312 feet) above sea level. It is bordered by theSrinagar district in the south,Bandipore to the north,Kargil in the northeast,Anantnag to the southeast andBaramulla to the southwest.
Ganderbal is divided into two divisions viz. Kangan and Ganderbal. Ganderbal division is mainly flat lands while as Kangan isSide valley of largerKashmir Valley. Through Kangan Valley there flowsSind River known for river rafting separatesGreater Himalayas from north eastern part ofZabarwan Range. Sonamarg lies in this Kangan valley. On the Greater Himalayan side of Ganderbal there lies a famousHarmukh mountain from which the worlds second highest mountainK2 was first discovered. Ganderbal is also known for its high alpine lakes viz.Gangbal Lake,Nundkol LakeGadsarVishansarKrishansar LakeSatsar (small seven lakes) and numerous unnamed lakes. Through these lakes runs a summer famous KGL trek. On lower parts Sind river before entering intoJhelum River lies a Ramsar siteShallabugh Wetland.[4]
Manasbal Lake a popular tourist resort lies on the northern part of Ganderbal, which is known for its appearance of bluish colour. Ganderbal also shareAnchar Lake with Srinagar, which is known for its Nadru (Lotus Root).
As of 2011[update] India census,[6] Ganderbal had a population of 297446.[7] Males constitute 53.36% of the population and females 46.64%. Ganderbal has an average literacy rate of 58.04%, lower than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 68.85%, and female literacy is 45.71%. In Ganderbal, 17.01% of the population is under 6 years of age.[8]
The Municipal Committee Ganderbal is anUrban Local Body with 17 elected members. Its last elections took place on 16 October 2018.[9]
Keys: BJP (2) INC (2) Independent (13)
| # | Name | Municipal Ward | Reservation Status | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samia Ahad | Beehama Nagripora | Women Open | Independent |
| 2 | Abdul Rashid Rather | Beehama Wahid Sahib | Open | Independent |
| 3 | Jeelani Ahmed Mir | Ganderbal A | Open | BJP |
| 4 | Haleema | Ganderbal B | Women Open | Independent |
| 5 | Showkat Ahmad Mir | Arampora A | Open | Independent |
| 6 | Altaf Ahmad Lone | Arampora B | Open | Independent |
| 7 | Mehak Shah | Duderhama Gousia | Women Open | INC |
| 8 | Hilal Ahmad Tantray | Duderhama | Open | Independent |
| 9 | Nazir Ahmad Ganaie | Fathipora A | Open | Independent |
| 10 | Rashida Bano | Fatehpora B | Women Open | Independent |
| 11 | Ghulam Hassan Dar | Gangerhama A | Open | Independent |
| 12 | Bashir Ahmad Koul | Gangerhama B | Open | Independent |
| 13 | Nabla | Wanipora | Women Open | Independent |
| 14 | Sajjad Ahmad | Bamloora | Open | INC |
| 15 | Lateef Ahmad | Saloora A | Open | BJP |
| 16 | Sara | Saloora B | Women Open | Independent |
| 17 | Abdul Majid | Saloora C | Open | Independent |
TheSind River, a major tributary to theJhelum River, has the following dams which are used for generatinghydroelectricity and regulating water for theirrigation:
Besides, Rangil Water Treatment Plant purifies the water of the Sind River for drinking by Srinagar city.[12]
Water raftingtournaments are being organised at the tourist destination ofSonamarg every year, to boost the tourism industry ofKashmir valley. BesidesManasbal lake,Gangabal Lake[13] at the foot ofMount Haramukh is one of the destinations of foreign tourists visiting the valley. Vaishnosar Lake andGadsar Lake are situated north ofSonamarg.
Ganderbal is well-connected by road to other places in Jammu and Kashmir and India by theNH 1.
Ganderbal is not connected with railways. The nearest railway station isSrinagar railway station located at a distance of 31 kilometres.
The nearest airport isSheikh ul-Alam International Airport located at a distance of 30 kilometres.
Manasbal lake,Anchar Lake Lower area ofSind River are navigable inShikaras. Shikaras in Sind River are used assand collection, fishing and to cross river in some remote area. Water navigation is essential in those low-lying areas.
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| Valleys | ||
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| Rivers | ||
| Glaciers | ||
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| Mountains | ||
| Hill stations and Mughal gardens | ||
| Protected areas | ||
| See also | ||
