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Ganderbal district | |
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 Interactive map of Ganderbal district | |
![Ganderbal district is in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region.[1] It is in the Kashmir division (bordered in neon blue).](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aKashmir_region._LOC_2003626427_-_showing_Kashmir_division_administered_by_India_in_neon_blue.jpg) Ganderbal district is in Indian-administeredJammu and Kashmir in the disputedKashmir region.[1] It is in theKashmir division (bordered in neon blue). | |
| Coordinates (Ganderbal):34°14′N74°47′E / 34.23°N 74.78°E /34.23; 74.78 | |
| Administering country | India |
| Union territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Headquarters | Ganderbal |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,049 km2 (405 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 297,446 |
| • Density | 283.6/km2 (734.4/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Ganderbaluk, Ganderbali, Ganderbalia, Ganderbalian |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kashmiri,Urdu,Hindi,Dogri,English[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 |
Ganderbal district, is anIndian-administered district inJammu and Kashmir in the disputedKashmir 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 Ganderbal district both plain and alpine varieties, which include over 100alpine lakes.[5]
Plain lakes:[6]
Alpine lakes:
Furthermore, Durinar Lake III (located at an elevation of 4,650 meters above sea level) is the highest altitude alpine lake in Kashmir,[7] while Manasbal Lake (with a depth of 13 meters or 43 feet) is the deepest plain lake inKashmir.[8] Both lakes fall within the jurisdiction of the Ganderbal district.
The rivers flowing within the jurisdiction of the Ganderbal district are:
1.Sind River - The primary river flowing through the district, originating from theZoji La pass and running throughout Ganderbal.
2.Kishanganga/Neelum River - This river originates in vicinity ofSonamarg and flows onward across theLine of Control and enters thePakistan.
3.Jhelum River - The major river ofKashmir that flows through some villages in the Ganderbal district, playing a vital role in the region'sagriculture and water supply.
4. Wangath River - Also known as Wangath Nallah, is a significanttributary of theSind River. This river originate fromGangabal Lake and merges withSindh River at KichporaKangan
5. Nilagrad River - A small but significant mountain river located 6 kms away from hill stationSonamarg. The river's unique reddish coloration, attributed to the presence of iron oxide deposits, is locally believed to possess healing and curative powers, especially for skin ailments.
6.Tulmullah Nallah - This stream originates from springs atLar town and then merges withSind River at Narayanbagh village. It is locally called as "Naagpav".
Lar town stands out for itsgrape cultivation, yielding the highest production in the entire valley. This has given Ganderbal the title of the Grape Town of Kashmir.[9]
Ganderbal district, with approximately 1,200 hectares of land under cherrycultivation, is considered the hub of thecherry crop, producing around 60 percent of the total cherry output in theKashmir Valley. Nearly a dozen villages, includingLar, Waliwar, Chuntwaliwar, Gutlibagh, Zazna,Kangan, Dab, Batwina, Yungoora,Wakura, and other areas of the district, are known for producing various varieties of cherries.[10]
Ganderbal district is one of the major apple producing districts ofKashmir Valley. Zazna, Nawabagh Badampora, Kurhama, Zarigund, Wakura, Batwina, Khanpora etcetera are major apple producing places[11]
There are lot of apple varieties cultuvated in Ganderbal like Delicious, American, Golden, Maharaji, Hazratbali etcetera. There is also aFarmers' Market (mandi) at Zazna were farmer can sell their apple[12] and giving boost to local economy.
The Ganderbal district, particularly theSherpathri belt, is renowned as the Wicker Hub of Kashmir due to its distinctivewicker artisans. Spanning nearly 25 smallhamlets, most of the population in this area is associated with thecraft ofwickerwork. Thesecraftsmen create a variety of items, including chairs, sofas, baskets, flower vases, and kitchen essentials, using locally sourcedwillowreeds.[13]
Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the goddessBhavani, constructed over a spring inTulmul 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 offered to.
TheNaranag Temple[14] located nearHarmukh 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 at33°44′N75°09′E / 33.73°N 75.15°E /33.73; 75.15 in the town ofGanderbal,[15] 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 259 km2.[16]
The mountainous Ganderbal district is spread across theSind River. It is the only river inJammu and Kashmir on which three hydroelectric power stations are functional, and provides water for irrigation. 80% of the population[17] 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 andGangbal the largest alpine lake.
The district currently has six subdistricts (tehsils):[4][18]
It is further divided into nine CD blocks: Ganderbal,Wakura,Lar,Kangan, Gund,Sherpathri, Phaag, Manigam and Batwina.[18][19] Each block consists of a number ofpanchayats. Ganderbal District has 2 assembly constituencies: Kangan and Ganderbal.[18][20]
| Religion | Percent | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam | 97.69% | |||
| Hinduism | 1.88% | |||
| Other or not stated | 0.43% | |||
| Religion (and population) | Sex Ratio | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim (pop 290,581) | 905 | |||
| Hindu (pop 5,592) | 79 | |||
| Other (pop 1,273) | 316 | |||
| Total (pop 297,446) | 874 | |||
| Ganderbal district: religion, gender ratio, and % urban of population, according to the 2011 Census.[22] | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 spokeKashmiri, 20.21%Gojri, 3.49%Pashto, 2.61%Pahari and 1.31%Hindi as their first language.Balti andShina are also spoken by small populations in the high mountains.[23]
The Ganderbal district is located in valley of theSindh 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 hill station located 80 kilometers fromSrinagar. At an altitude of 2,800 meters, it has views of snow-clad mountains, alpine meadows, and the Sindh River.[citation needed] Hosting the International Championships of Rafting on the Sindh River, it attracts adventure enthusiasts from around the world.[citation needed] The area has seen some development in the form of private hotels offering modern amenities for visitors.[citation needed] Additionally, Sonamarg serves as a starting point for treks to high altitude lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal, known for their abundant trout populations.[citation needed]
Manasbal Lake, located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north west of Ganderbal, is a tourist destination known for its scenery and wildlife. Spanning 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) long and 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide. It is located in the Jhelum valley, north ofSrinagar city. Named afterLake Manasarovar.[24] it is encircled by three villages: Jarokbal, Kondabal and Gratabal 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 oflotus plants, which bloom during July and August, enhancing the beauty of its clear waters. Additionally, theMughal garden known as Garoka, built byNur Jahan, offers stunning views of the lake.[25]
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.[26]
Accessing the lake fromSrinagar involves a 30-kilometer road journey via Shadipur, Nasim, and Ganderbal. The road toWular Lake, Kashmir's largest lake, passes through Manasbal, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the region's diverse water bodies and natural landscapes.[24]
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 analpine meadow in theLartehsil. In summer it is a tourist destination for trekking and camping. SirAurel Stein was the first person to explore the place, pitching his camp in the summer of 1895.[27][28][29][30]
It is hidden in the mountains to the north of Srinagar at the foot of Haramukh Peaks about 25 kilometers fromSrinagar via theGanderbal 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[31] of 16,890 ft (5,148 metres), in Ganderbal district ofJammu and Kashmir. Harmukh is part of theHimalayaRange, and is located between Sindh River to its south andKishanganga River to its north. It rises above theGangabal Lake in the vicinity ofKashmir Valley.[32] It is more hazardous to reach Mount Haramukh from the east and south side ofGanderbal and has never been climbed from these sides; thus, it is mostly climbed in the north-west from the ArinBandipore side.
Harmukh was first climbed by theGreat Trigonometric Survey'sThomas 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.[33] Harmukh was later climbed by many other climbers.[34] Therefore, Harmukh is the mountain from which the world's second highest mountain peakK2 was discovered and the Serveyer's mark K2 continues to be the name.
Gangabal Lake, also called Gangbal Lake, is alake situated at the foothills ofMount Haramukh (one of the highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley)[35] inGanderbal district, north ofSrinagar city inJammu and Kashmir in India. It is an alpine high altitudeoligotrophic lake,[36] and is home to many types of fishes[37] of which one is thebrown trout.[38]
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)[39] and then via Wangath nullah[40] to Sindh River.[41] Thetrout fishes are present in the lake.[42] Gangabal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag[43] and then a 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) track upslope.
Shallabugh Wetland, situated in theShallabugh village of Kashmir valley, is a haven of natural beauty and ecological significance. It was declared as aRamsar 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 ofmigratory birds, offering them a seasonal refuge during their journeys. The wetland's diverseflora andfauna 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:
Places adjacent to Ganderbal district | |
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