Mohammad Arfat Wani
Tral, a significant sub-region of the Pulwama district located in South Kashmir, is an area endowed with immense beauty, significance, and utility. Tral is famous for its large area, natural beauty, and rich history. Encircled by lofty mountains, enveloped by dense forests, graced by fresh springs, and dotted with picturesque lakes, Tral resembles a paradise on Earth.
Nature has endowed this entire area with every aspect that renders it unique and attractive. Nevertheless, even after possessing all these assets, Tral has not been granted its proper status of administration yet. This poses a crucial and vital question to be asked, How long would this situation persist.
Tral possesses huge territory and sizeable populace and hence is completely deserving of being bestowed upon with district status. This area encompasses more than 60 villages with a population exceeding one lakh people. To manage a large populace demands an efficient and potent administrative system. Unfortunately, the present system cannot cope with the requirements of such a large area. Common man living in distant areas suffers immensely from several problems in his day-to-day life. Not even for any official matter, he is compelled to move far off places like Pulwama or Srinagar, thus squandering precious time and money too.
The problem worsens further in the rural parts of Tral, where many places do not have adequate road connectivity and transportation means. These villages are inaccessible during rains and snowfall and get isolated from other parts of the area. It is hard for anyone to move out of these villages. Such conditions adversely impact patients, children who need to go to schools, and elderly people who require urgent medical treatment. At times, reaching the hospitals becomes a herculean task. This situation proves to be deadly at times. All these facts prove that Tral needs proper administration and infrastructural improvements.
Health facilities in Tral leave much to be desired. There is a Sub-District Hospital and a few Primary Health Centers, but their facilities are inadequate. They lack specialists, advanced technology, and emergency facilities. As a result, people are compelled to visit Srinagar or Pulwama for getting treatment. In some cases, it results in losing their lives. Had there been adequate health facilities within Tral, many lives could have been saved. Health care is a fundamental right, and people living in Tral deserve the best health facilities without any hindrance.
There are some positive aspects in Tral regarding the education sector. There are various government schools, private institutions, a degree college, an Islamic Oriental College, and an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) located in Tral. These institutes are contributing significantly to mold the careers of the young generation. The youths of Tral are very capable, energetic, and ambitious; all they dream of doing is achieving success and serving the society. But for proper planning, management, and development, district-level administration is necessary.
Tral is economically a prosperous place. It has very fertile land, which is perfect for agricultural, horticultural, and dairy farming activities. Many fruits such as apples and walnuts are cultivated on a large scale and contribute immensely towards the local economy. The reason why farmers and businessmen are unable to reap profits is that of inadequate road connectivity, lack of infrastructure, and absence of good markets. Consequently, their efforts go unrewarded. By granting district status to Tral, it will become possible for the area to develop its road network, enhance storage capacity, and have better connections with the marketplaces.
Tourism is yet another flourishing industry of Tral. Nature provides Tral with immense charm. Its lush valleys, serene lakes, and water springs are alluring to tourists. Some famous spots include Nagberan, Tarsar, Marsar, and Aripal. Places like Bugmad and Wasturwan provide suitable grounds for trekking and camping. If proper attention, marketing, and facilities are provided, Tral can emerge as a popular tourist spot. This will boost tourism, create job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life of the locals.
The region has rich historical and cultural backgrounds as well. Ancient settlements like Gufkral speak volumes about Tral’s inhabitation dating back several millennia ago. Numerous Sufi dargahs, holy sites, and cultural practices make it unique. This heritage is an integral part of the heritage of Tral and its natives. This heritage has the capacity to entice historians, scholars, and tourists from across the globe. However, for this to happen, effective administration must come into play.
The people of Tral have been neglected for years. The absence of basic facilities, poor administrative control, and little political focus have made the development process in this region very slow. It is unfair for any region to be treated this way. Each and every region needs to get equal opportunities, equal development, and equal treatment. To neglect such an important region as Tral is not only wrong; it amounts to injustice.
There are other regions too, which are asking for recognition as districts. But their case does not seem as strong and valid as that of Tral, because Tral fulfills all the requirements needed for being declared as a district. There are many people here, it is a large region, it has educational institutions, it is economically strong and historically important as well.
The need for this demand receives strong support from the general public. People have expressed their opinion on various social media platforms such as Facebook, including well-known social activists and Citizens’ Council Tral member Farooq Trali, along with Ghulam Ahmad Kantroo, Shah Manzoor, Shakir Hussain, Tanveer Shah, Shaukat Ali, Ammar Shaukat, Khaksar Abdul Rasheed, Gohar Sahib, and Khalil Ahmad. This demand is not emotional; rather, there is genuine reason behind it, and that is the development and betterment of the region.
The decision of declaring Tral as a district will have several advantages. The administrative system will be improved and more responsive towards citizens’ needs. Health facilities and educational institutions will be provided to all citizens. In addition, the region will receive proper roads, bridges, and necessary infrastructures. Tourism will increase and help develop the economy. However, the most important advantage of this decision is the pride felt by its citizens.
In conclusion, awarding district status to Tral is a decision that goes beyond the bureaucratic level. It involves a question of justice, as well as acknowledging the importance of such a special and beautiful place. After waiting for so long, Tral’s time has finally come.
