G.L. Khajuria
The specialist further emphasised that the government should approach to the expert Deptt. with enough expertise for the construction of a wall arounding 20 feet in the length and 8 feet in width and only then the silt of the lake can be lifted to bring back this heritage to its pristine beauty and grandeur. The survey together with workable strategy remained as a hanging fire till date.
There is an astonishing legend that it that the farmers of the locality were once ploughing the field in the vicinity of Sanasar Lake and they took a break for the lunch leaving the oxen aside. In the meanwhile, a Sadhu appeared on the scene and he advised the farmers to unyolk the oxen so that they may also graze and take rest. Instead, they aguishly said, “Who are you to advise us for unyoking oxen”? Within moments, the Sadhu eluded and it is said that a calamitous storm with whirlwind engulfed the sky coupled with whimper cloudburst which struck the area and everything swept away along with the farmers and oxen so yoked.
People of the locality and those of far away places come to this Temple for paying obeisance and obtain blessings from Chouncer Nag Devta- a miracle of miracles. Manzoor Ahmed Forest Guard posted at Sanasar forest has had a holy Darshan- of ‘Nag Devta’ while being on its routine movement in the forest- A nine feet long Nag with hairy skin.
The sacred temple of Nag-Devta of Sanasar is visited twice in a year in the form of Yatra and of which one is vegetarian and is celebrated with the offerings of sweet rice, whereas the other is non- vegetarian which is celebrated by the sacrificial of goat and is offered to the Nag Devta. Two Bhandaras are also held every year. Though many may not believe, but truthfulness and sanctity exists on the hilly areas of Sub-Himalayan regions like Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Dudu, Basantgarh, Kud, Patnitop, Billawar, Bani, Basohli and many of its pious areas adjoining the state of Himachal Pradesh. During Governor rule in 1990 , a nine point gulf course plan was earmarked for Sanasar which too remained in the offing and till date there is no let up.
Some suggestion: *Improvement of road: A short stretch of 19 kms linking the road with Patnitop warrants improvement. This is pertinent in view of the present scenario as the soil texture is good and metaling coupled with black topping of this rough road is the need inviting government attention and allied agencies coupled with maintenance of side drains for disciplined outflow of water during inclimical weather conditions and even otherwise also this is the major bottleneck and once a healthy lifeline is established, this shall boost and ameliorate tourist influx.
*Beautifiction of road link (Patnitop-Sanasar) Plantation of ornamental trees, shrubs alongside road link on the either side at equidistance shall expurgate the beauty of spot.
*De-silting of the lake area: This is necessary and demanding too, to restore back the lake area to its pristine grandeur and glory. This is no longer a single agency show but many departments al Geological and survey forest , soil conservation and other allied agencies connected with the restoration and reclamation need to be associated with to chalk out workable strategy for the formation of lake which will not only ehance the beauty spot for the pereservation of the spot which is of a National Heritage.
*Development of meadows and golf course: The half way left over idea warrants proper shaping now onwards for years to come and here too many agencies shall to be associated with to chalk out workable strategies so as to attract the golf enthusiasts not only from the state but from India and abroad.
*Accomodation: The tourism, the forest and allied departments have magnificently raised hutments to accommodate visitors, which do not demand its further exaggeration, else it would disfigure the beauty of spot . However, ‘ view points’ on isolated spots shall further add beauty and grandeur to the area which are warranted to be constructor for the children to have an overview picture of the spot and its surroundings so may feel fascinating.
*Mini-re-creation park: A mini re-creation park shall provide enchanting spell to the children and little kids who live in their own world. It shall as well feast and boost their excitements and merry making.
(Concluded)