G.L Khajuria
In the climatic terminology, Jammu being a sub-tropical region having mostly Kandi Belt with arid zone ranging from Lakhanpur to the last reach of Indo-Pak boarding Poonch and scrubby forest of acacias, Shisham, Semal and bamboos intermingled with the shrubs and herbs of lower strata, and with the attitudinal gains, we find pinus roxburgii, P. Wallichiana upto Udhampur, Chenani, Billawar, Basholi, Bani on the eastern sides and Katra, Panchari, Reasi, Thakrakote, Kalidhar, Sunderbani, Mahender, Kalakote, Rajouri, on western side. The Trikuta Hills of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji occupy their own unique and appropriate placement and ascending uphill where one encounters the lushgreen, sylvan and slabrious ambience of vibrant majestic Deodars of the Patnitop associated with oaks, fir and spruce of yet most enchanting and bewildering Dudu Valley saddling across the Pride Chenab which is the richest and biggest forest area of the State.
Shri Mata Bala Sundri Ji is located atop two Tehsils vis Kathua and Billawar saddling southwards to Kathua, en-route, Kumri-Kathera and northward to Billawar on routing through Bhini hamlet. The Sacred Spot is located around 5,500 ft from Mean Sea Level (MSL) and gives a panoramic view from atop the Sacred Spot when viewed kaleidscopically.
The Sacred Shrine of Mataji is approach able from Kathua after journeying through motor able road around 14 kms and thence an uphill trek upto 14 kms or so passing amidst rich pines, oaks, buteas, dedonias, terminalias, cassias, emblica associating with rich, vide varieties of herbs shrubs, climbers and flora of lower strata. The sacred shrine of Mata ji is linked over a stretch of 10 kms or so and thence barely a uphill trek arounding 4 kms one reaches the foot steps of Shri Mata ji.
The sacred shrine of Mataji had remained neglected barring two occasions around the year viz Navratras when pilgrims in and around the Sacred Shrine come over here for Holy Darshan, pay obeisance and obtain blessings. The area together with its sylvan surrounds is an enchanting but waits for the development for tourism by involving multidisciplinary departments etal Forest, Agriculture, Horicutlture Floriculture, PWD etc .
Lot of efforts with extra expertise need to be inculcated to make this monumental heritage and Sacred Shrine a piece of heaven over the pious Mother Earth. The Archeological Deptt’ shall have to take the lead and make their efforts in its restoration, apart from making more additionalities to haunt and attract the pilgrims for invigorating the importance of the spot apart from boosting tourism which is most warranting and a clarion call of the hour. The Govt. of India is making all adequate funding. The desirable moto is to lay out plans by the expertise, thence its implementation so that the spot becomes enchanting, charming and bewildering in and around the sacred Shrine of Shri Mata Bala Sundri.
Some suggestive measures are as mention hereunder :-
*Afforestation works
Once the area is fenced, afforestation works are to be afooted and in this respect advance pit working of 45 cm3 size shall have to be done followed by extensive / intensive plantation drive, preferably of those species which are well suited to site to ensure greenery and no benefits in respect of fuel, fodder, grasses, firewood or as that of timber (small or large) shall have to be encouraged. In other words, the area so afforested should be nomenclaturised as Virgin Forest
Apart from forestry species, horticulture plants are warranted to enhance fruit industry and improve local socio-economic status of the populace. At most of the occasions, with the onset of summer spells some of the areas in the Kandi belt are enguifed by the fire hazards and it shall have to be ensured for creation of fire lanes of a desirable width so that the entire exercise may not go futile.
*Construction of en route shelter-sheds
Since the Yatris during Navratras twice in a year are mostly on foot in shape of Holy Mace (Chhari) to the Sacred Shrine , so it is as such warranted for the constructions of shelter- sheds, reroute at equidistance of 2 kms for the pilgrims to reach the Sacred Shrine. In order, therefore, to provide shelter to the pilgrims, the construction of such structures are of paramount importance during inimical weather conditions.
*Construction to toilets for ladies and gents
It is most pertinent to maintain the bridle sides healthy and hygienically neat and clean as most of the Yatris helter-shelteredly disfigure the path-ways making thereby the pilgrimage very much filth riddened and these are needed to be connected with water pipes to the toilets.
*Introduction of ornamental plants, climbers creepers
Introduction of these ornamental plants, climbers and creepers along both sides of bridle paths shall not only reinforce chain link fencing but also enforce and further add to the beauty of the bridle path for the tourists and pilgrimages alike.
And when the flowers shall bloom, this will add further beauty to the spot and as such their introduction is of paramount importance.
Improvising the Bridal path
It is pertinent to inculcate the cement-block of size 2’X2′ in and around the vicinity of Temple complex to facilitate pilgrims and the tourists alike for comfortable movement over the meadow area while being on their momentous spree in the Sacred Shrine criss-crossing the pathways.
(The author is a former Dy Conservator of Forest J&K)
