Tourism's Double-Edged Sword in Bhaderwah: Balancing Growth and Environmental Preservation

Nestled in Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Valley, Bhaderwah, often called "Mini-Kashmir," captivates visitors with its lush valleys, tranquil Neeru River, and sacred Kailash Kund lake.

- ■NITTEN KUMAR

A tourism surge, driven by enhanced infrastructure, has spurred economic growth but raised environmental alarms, urging sustainable measures to safeguard this Himalayan paradise's natural and cultural heritage.

A Historical Tapestry

Bhaderwah's charm is rooted in a vibrant history. Known as "Nagon ki Bhoomi" (Land of Snakes) in ancient texts, it was a center of Naga worship, linked to serpent deities revered by early settlers. As part of the ancient Udamba kingdom, Bhaderwah thrived as a trade and cultural hub along Himalayan routes. Under the medieval Bhaderkashi dynasty, Rajput rulers nurtured art and religion, leaving legacies like the 16th-century Vasuki Nag Temple and Subar Nag Temple, which draw pilgrims today. In the 19th century, Dogra rulers used Bhaderwah as a summer retreat, cementing its tourism potential, as noted in historical accounts from the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.

Getting to Bhaderwah

The Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), established in 2006 under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan, has improved access to the valley. Here's how to reach Bhaderwah: