Shafqat Sheikh
With the arrival of winter, Devigoal Bunjwah in Kishtwar district transforms into a breathtaking snow-clad paradise, offering an ideal setting for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Despite its striking beauty and immense potential, this hidden gem remains underexplored. A snow festival could not only bring Devigoal Bunjwah to the forefront of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir but also boost the local economy and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Devigoal Bunjwah: The Mini Gulmarg
Nestled in the Bunjwah region of Kishtwar district, Devigoal is a high-altitude meadow known for its serene landscapes, lush green pastures, dense forests, and stunning mountain views. Often referred to as the “Mini Gulmarg,” this tranquil retreat offers an unspoiled environment, far removed from the chaos of urban life. Its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance makes it an exceptional destination for travelers seeking solitude and adventure.
Devigoal holds special importance for local communities, as it is associated with traditional festivals and gatherings. These cultural and spiritual elements further enhance its appeal as a tourism hotspot. However, despite its natural charm and cultural significance, Devigoal Bunjwah remains overlooked in terms of development and promotion.
A Snow Festival: Unlocking Potential
Hosting a snow festival at Devigoal Bunjwah presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the region’s beauty, cultural heritage, and potential for winter sports. Younus Keen, a youth leader and socio-political activist, envisions the festival as a platform to highlight the area’s charm while promoting local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. He strongly advocates for the district administration to embrace this initiative and put Devigoal on the global tourism map.
“Devigoal Bunjwah has the potential to rival renowned tourist destinations like Gulmarg,” Keen noted, expressing regret over the region’s neglect by the authorities. He emphasized that it is time to unlock this potential and elevate Devigoal Bunjwah to its rightful status as a premier tourist destination.
Past Efforts and Future Aspirations
During his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav played a pivotal role in promoting Devigoal Bunjwah by organizing the Devigoal Festival. This initiative enhanced tourism, upgraded infrastructure, and fostered community development in the region. Dr. Yadav’s efforts left a lasting impact on the local community, inspiring them to further the cause of tourism development.
Ashiq Wani, a correspondent for Lazawal, applauded Dr. Yadav’s vision and dedication. “We must build on the momentum generated by Dr. Yadav’s initiatives to transform Devigoal Bunjwah into a premier tourist hub,” Wani remarked.
Key Benefits of a Snow Festival
1. Tourism and Revenue Generation: A snow festival would attract tourists from across the globe, providing a unique opportunity to experience the region’s pristine beauty and cultural richness. Increased tourism would generate significant revenue for local businesses and artisans, boosting the local economy.
2. Infrastructure Development: The festival could serve as a catalyst for much-needed infrastructure improvements, including better roads, transportation, accommodation facilities, and essential services. The historic Bunjwah road, a crucial link to the region, must be prioritized to ensure seamless access for visitors.
3. Promotion of Regional Tourism: Devigoal Bunjwah is part of a vast region teeming with potential. Nearby areas such as Padhran, Kither, Nakka, Thareda, Malipeth, Lanka Top, and Kalinag are equally captivating and deserve attention. A festival would bring much-needed focus to these unexplored destinations.
4. Employment Opportunities: Increased tourism activity would create numerous job opportunities for local youth, fostering economic growth and community development.
5. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The festival would provide a platform to celebrate and preserve the region’s unique traditions, crafts, and folklore, ensuring that its cultural identity thrives alongside development.
A Collective Call to Action
Leading socio-political activists, community members, and stakeholders have called upon the district administration, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, and Kishtwar Development Authority to endorse and support the proposal for a snow festival at Devigoal Bunjwah. With their collaborative efforts, this initiative can be transformed into an iconic event, unveiling the region’s hidden treasures to a global audience.
The residents of Bunjwah are confident that with support from the administration and active participation from the community, the Devigoal Bunjwah Snow Festival can become a reality. This festival has the potential to elevate Bunjwah as a major tourist destination on the national and international map.
Conclusion
The time has come to unlock the immense potential of Devigoal Bunjwah. A snow festival would not only showcase the region’s unmatched natural beauty and cultural richness but also drive infrastructure development, create jobs, and preserve its heritage. The initiative requires concerted efforts from the administration, local stakeholders, and residents to ensure its success.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, along with the Kishtwar Development Authority and District Administration Kishtwar, must take the lead in organizing this transformative event. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for Devigoal Bunjwah, ensuring that its treasures are shared with the world.
(The author is a freelance writer and columnist from Bunjwah, Kishtwar, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com)
