Devigoal Bunjwah’s Potential Awaits: A Call for a Snow Festival

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHAFQAT SHEIKH

CHENAB VALLEY JAN 09:Upon the arrival of winter, Devigoal Bunjwah evolves into a picturesque snow-clad haven, captivating tourists and adventure-seekers. Despite its considerable potential, the area remains relatively unexplored. We suggest that the district administration contemplate hosting a snow festival at Devigole Bunjwah.

Devigoal Bunjwah, nestled in the Bunjwah region of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a majestic high-altitude meadow distinguished by its peaceful beauty. The area is characterized by lush green pastures, dense forests, and spectacular mountain views, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. Devigoal, commonly referred to as the “Mini Gulmarg,” offers a serene retreat from urban life, featuring a tranquil ambience and an unspoiled environment. The meadow also possesses significant cultural and religious importance for local communities, being associated with various festivals and traditional gatherings. With its pristine landscapes and distinctive charm, Devigoal Bunjwah is a prime destination for those seeking natural beauty and solitude.

While engaging with the author, the Youth Leader and Socio-Political Activist imagined the snow festival as an opportunity for enthusiasts to converge and showcase the region’s awe-inspiring beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exhilarating winter sports opportunities. Moreover, the festival would afford tourists a unique platform to experience the allure of Devigoal Bunjwah while promoting local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs.

Younus Keen highlighted that Devigoal Bunjwah possesses significant potential, comparable to prominent tourist destinations such as Gulmarg. Nevertheless, he regretted that the region had been neglected by the government and administration. “It’s time for us to unlock Devigoal Bunjwah’s potential and showcase it on the global tourism map,” he added.

During a conversation with Ashiq Wani, Lazawal Correspondent, he applauded Dr Devansh Yadav’s initiatives in organizing the Devigoal Festival during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar. Dr. Yadav’s efforts promoted tourism, upgraded infrastructure, and supported community development.

The local community has drawn significant inspiration from Dr Yadav’s vision for Devigoal Bunjwah’s development, and his dedication to promoting tourism and enhancing infrastructure has set the stage for future growth. “We need to seize the momentum generated by Dr. Yadav’s initiative and transform Devigoal Bunjwah into a premier tourist destination,” Wani stressed.

Hosting a snow festival at Devigoal Bunjwah offers numerous benefits. By attracting tourists and generating revenue for local businesses, it would also create employment opportunities for the youth and help preserve the region’s cultural heritage. Moreover, the festival would drive infrastructure development in the region, including the enhancement of roads, accommodation facilities, and other essential services. Key benefits of the festival include:

Tourism and Revenue Generation: Welcoming tourists from across the globe to experience the region’s breathtaking beauty and unique culture, generating significant revenue for local businesses. Similar to other renowned tourist destinations, Bunjwah is on par with Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, and other regions, featuring an abundance of lofty mountains, meadows, springs, and shared boundaries with other regions of the country.

Infrastructure Development: Enhance roads, transportation, accommodation facilities, and essential services to provide seamless access and a comfortable experience for visitors. The historic Bunjwah road must be prioritized for swift completion and pending works finalized to establish Devi Goal Bunjwah as a prominent tourist destination.

Promotion of Tourism: Bunjwah is a vast region that necessitates promotion in the tourism sector, given its vast potential encompassing areas such as Devigoal, Padhran, Kither, Nakka, Thareda, Pattarnag, Malipeth, Lanka Top, Tiba Top, Kanow, Chunjali, Kalinag, and other regions.

Leading socio-political activists have exhorted the district administration to acknowledge and endorse the Devigoal Bunjwah Snow Festival proposal, an aspiration still in its infancy. We are confident that the synergistic efforts of the administration, residents, and stakeholders will elevate this festival to an iconic event, unveiling Devigoal Bunjwah’s hidden treasures and potential to a global audience.

Let us collaborate to unlock the full potential of Devigoal Bunjwah and ensure the snow festival is a resounding success! The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, along with the Kishtwar Development Authority and District Administration Kishtwar, must come forward to organise a Snow festival at Devigoal Bunjwah to acknowledge the tourism potential of Bunjwah on a national level.

(The author is a Freelance Writer and Columnist from Bunjwah Kishtwar and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com, 9419974577)