Naseeb Kr Bhagat
Bani tehsil of district Kathua which is located 236km away from Jammu. It touched its border with Bhaderwah district in one side and Dalhousie- a famous hill station of Himachal pardesh on other side. upper reaches of mountains remain covered with snow melting of which provide water for many perennial streams. The pristine environment of Bani is characterized by lush green meadows, perennial rivulets, waterfalls, springs which are quite abundant to ensure year around water supply for locals. Bani town is situated along the left bank of sewa river-a tributary of Ravi river over which 120MW hyderolectric project sewa is built upon. The mesmerizing scenic beauty of vegetative view of this valley one can enjoy in summer especially May -July. The temperature and climatic conditions of this place is of temperate type and quite similar with those of nearby located hill stations such as Dalhousie, Bhaderwah. The ethnic phaadi culture of Bani shows remarkable simple lifestyle closelyinterwoven with nature and natural practices. Local folks and ceremonies involves rhythmic beating of drums, flutes, raadshinka.
The road connectivity easily available from multiple routes to reach this glaciated valley either from Pathankot via Dunera or via Billawar can be accessible through all weather road. Bani to Bhaderwah although the road connectivity is available only in summer as it receive heavy snowfall in winter and road connectivity cut off The public transport is available only in summer from Bani to bhaderwah. Clad of meadows and agarian pathches at distict location adds beauty to fascinating nature.
One witness the transition in vegetation while moving from kathua towards Bani with altitudinal grading from sub tropical to temperate. Rhododendron, Quercus, Deodar, Chestnut chir-pine trees are quite abundant naturally on hilly slopes of Bani. Wild fruits aakhrey, simlu, taneju, berberis, wild strawberries, himalyan wild cherries, laatich. Shaddy places along water channelsis idle place for growth of edible fern locally called kasrood. Among horticultural crop pears, peaches apples, apricots cultivated by fruit growers. local desi varieties of maize mustards, rice is grown in substantive capacity. The crops of wheat, barley maize, oats, mustard is quite common and its purely organic farming free from use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Bamboo basket tied on shoulders by locals can be seen while performing agricultural activities be it dispersal of compost or collection of grains from agricultural farms. One can find number of water mills along the tributaries of sewa river which is source of livelihood for many. The ethnic culture of local is closely interwoven with ecofriendly practices wheather its agrofarming or domestication of cattles. Sheep and goat domestication is prime occupation of locals and source of wool, milk and meat. The natural mud pools and ponds constructed by locals and watershed maintained by Rural deptt can be seen at several place which used by nomadic tribes for their cattles. Seasonal migration of these tribal people along with their flocks takes place twice a year in summer from plain to hills and reverse in winter.
On The hill slopes you can find herds of sheeps and goats in summer. Rough terrain and topography attract tourists mainly bikers and trekker. It is also base camp of trekkers for Bhaderwah, chamba etc.
Religious spots includes nag temple (Tringlot), Jodya mata shrine , Dholley mata shrine Sheetla mata temple are popular religious sites of the Bani. The whistlings of perennials waterfalls are further attractions and fullfill the demand of water supply .
chilla dhar is easily accessible tourist spot located at top of mountains. The lush green meadow and majestic woods of rhododendron Quercus all around. This place is halt point on the way to famous religious shrine of Jodey Mata where langar service is available for a particular period.the upper reaches of dhok used by the people for farming and grazing of cattles only in summer. laevender farming initiated by agriculture deptt is also located at this spot. it needs to be developed further and bring on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir. It has great tourism potential which will not only boost econmy of UT but also helps in raising income level of locals. Sarthal valley is another spot which one can enjoy enroute from Bani to Bhaderwah.
The local festivals and dangals (senj) still quite popular here. Local folk songs which retained and maintained the ethnic Pahadi culture.It is also famous as mini Kashmir of Kathua district.
Author is Astt Prof in environmental science,
GDC Bani)
