G.L Khajuria
Fringed by lush green vibrant forest covered hills, Mansar and Surinsar are most majestic lakes in Jammu & Kashmir State. The lakes are the prime attraction of Jammu region and are conveniently approachable from Samba as well as from Jammu through regular buses and private convenience around the year. These spots are of ample importance apart from being lakes aloes. These constitute as the big water bodies amidst the hills with beautiful locations. The twin lakes harbour a rich variety of marine wildlife comprising endangered flap shell turtles and other multihued marine lives within the water body of these lakes. These are also prime destinations for the winged visitors who flock over here from far away places for seasonal change and breeding. The lakes are existing at an elevation of around 670 meters (2000ft) from mean sea level (MSL). And occupy their own placement of enchanting prominence of Jammu’s duggar land. On the Lower Shivalik of outer Himalayas these form an important tourists destination as well. It is prominently believed that these twin lakes share their sanctity of lake Mansrovar located amidst the pride Himalayas. According to Jalmanu Muni, who explains in the revered granth Sree Jalmani yashxamedh that these composite lakes were created during Mahabharta when a war was waged by Arjuna’s son Vabruvahan. Both these lakes are an epicenter of Dogra culture as the word Dogra has originated from Sanskrit word Devigrat meaning between two thoughts. As such, it is believed that Dogras are an Indo-Aryan tribe that originated between Mansar and Surinsar lakes. Presently, both these lakes form the social and cultural importance of Jammu region and more so due to a cluster of temples around the lakes of all temples, the most prominent being the main shrine on the eastern bank of Mansar lake famously called as Shesnag Mythologically, Shesnag is a Snake God with six heads. The shehnag temple and his image is within the temple. There are other prominent temples of Umapati Mahadev and Narsimha. There is a temple of Maa Durga on the bank of Mansar lake. The people who throng over there from far flung areas takes a holy dip in the lake on all festive occasions. The newly wedded couples consider auspicious to have three circumambulation of the lake. Some communities however perform mundane ceremony (first hair cut) of the male children which is considered most auspicious. Amongst many dogra families, Shehnag is revered as Kuldevta and their traditional rituals are performed over here. Mansar is also famous for Alexandrian Darakeet which is local parlance is spoken as ‘Mansariya’ or ‘Rai Tota’. This parrot is considered as a boon. It is so called because Alexander the great had taken to Greek and from that time it is recorded as first export of wild bird from Mansar. Some suggestions; Since both these lakes are situated in Shivaliks of Jammu region, lying in the outer Himalayas. The soil conditions and the forest cover keep the ecosystem well in place. Despite all that the area over the years has under gone drastic changes. Amongst a multitude factor. Deforestation is the major factor . the pristine grandeur, Glory and purity had undergone sea change. So in order to bring back to its originality some innovative and concrete measure shall have to put in place in order to protect, preserve and conserve the natural heritage of our region. The following points in sight are:-
4Soil Conservation measures: before we go ahead in carrying out any activity, soil conservation measures are of utmost importance. A series of comprehensive measures are warranted to be taken by the soil conservation department.
4Foreclosing the area: The areas need to be fenced by laying out fence line preferably with barbed wire and PCC posts. This shall be prehand treatment for the cover. Once the area is well protected, Subsidiary operations shall be carried out in subsequent stages.
4Plugging rills and gulies shall be our next target . chect dams as and where are demanding shall have to constructed. This way the soil shall be conserved and obviously the drainage system shall be boosted.
All the filth conglomerated with eroded soil/ boulders which drains down into the lake shall be averted and silation shall be kept at way.
4Subsequently, with the onset of Monsoon plantation operation of such species as santha (Dedonia Vescosia) need to be introduced along with other local species e.g. Acacia, Cassia, Syzizium cumin etc. Kutzo vine is very good soil binding species and its inculcation shall go a long way in conserving the soil.
Ipomia cutting along fence line shall re-infore the fence line and shall strengthen the fencing of the area. Cactus along fence line at places yield successfull results and their introduction shall be a boon for life long protection and strengthening of the fore-closed area as a whole.
4Introduction of medicinal, aromatical trees which will is the clarion call of the day.
Our revered Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is very much enthusiastic in preserving and promoting Lakes, wetlands and other wetlands throughout the length and breadth of the state. If wular and dal lakes in the vale of Kashmir, are presented Mansar , Surinsar don’t deserve their due share for development part apart from other wetlend and water bodies sprawling over Jammu Leh, and ladakh which constitute an equally important component of or heritage.
It has oftenly been observed that there are ever escalating hue and cry amongst jammuunites and developmental front. in the vision of the Chief Minister and the environment ministers. These developments should at no cost should become lop-sided and sreas apart from vale of Kashmir are not being deprived of their due share of development. The media have most frequently been highlighting the issues of Jammu, leh and Ladakh which has always been shelved in the silent box. It is therefore, urged upon the government under whose the administrative and executing authorities are very alive. These should act upon judiously for all the regions so that we can be proud of equality and transparency which beyond facts is the fundamental right enunciated in the constitution of state as well that of India. Shri narendra Modi has always been a symbol of iustice and stood unbiased. Conclusively on therefore, it is added over here that our state being the crown of India is as well tourism top, socially strong and finally a treasure frove perhaps any state in our sub continent have has it. We are proud of our majestic Mansar and Surinsar.
(The author is Former Deputy Conservator of Forest J&K).
