The one hour drive is nostalgic for elder generation who have witnessed water transport on the River Jhelum. Shrines, Mosques, Temples next to each other at many places, and dilapidated wood and brick houses are testimony to the Kashmir’s rich culture. Moreover, dying water canals, filth, some newly constructed bright structures and some shack like houses are irking the passengers on the boat. Water transport has been revived after more than 50 years.
“It may take some time to regain the aura of our rich heritage. Tourism department is looking after the makeover of banks of Jhelum and has already rehabilitated some monumental structures,” says Ufair. Presently, 27 attractions are presented along the heritage phase of the project.
Before Honda Marine, Jhelum cruise (first water taxi) was already working from Peer Zoo restaurant to Weir with a capacity of 15 passengers.
Ufair, holding a Business Administration degree from Symbiosis is planning to start a chain of coffee shops, restaurants and hotels along the banks of Jhelum, ‘the same way it is in Italy’.
Kashmir Motors has also signed a project with Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) for providing ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles for all types of situations – land, sand and on mountain slopes) which will be replacing sledges and ponies. The GDA has already started the registration process for pony wallas, who will now drive the new ATVs. During the testing phase, five ATVs started working in Gulmarg and the registration process has already started. The same ATVs will be started in Pahalgam also. Kashmir Motors also has the project of Snow Mobils (snow skiing) and Multi Utility Vehicles in their yard.
Mohammad Yusuf with 30 years of experience as a coach in adventure sports and aquatics started water rafting in Pahalgam and Sonmarg before his retirement (7 years back). He has started Zorbing – water walking/dancing ball in Yusmarg, Gulmarg (Land and water) and Sonmarg. In Gulmarg he is organising three day adventure camps with school children in which he trains them in rock climbing, abseiling, river crossing, taroline traverse, and mild/basic paragliding.
Yusuf has also got permission for Bungee – Trampoline in Yusmarg (to start next spring), Gulmarg (starting after Eid) and Sonmarg. Bungee, stretchable ropes used for climbing peaks and from there they are thrown on Trampoline – is a device consisting of a piece of taut, strong fabric stretched over a steel frame using many coiled springs. Same Trampoline is used in gymnastics for jumping. In winters, Yusuf’s Adventure Call organises various skiing programs but importantly he promotes Ski touring, to trek virgin mountain peaks.
“I had got permission from LAWDA (lakes and water ways development authority) for water walking in Dal Lake but Tourism Department is not letting me to continue and is hindering my this new adventure project,” says Yusuf.
Lal Ded Memorial Cultural Centre:
Lal Ded School on the banks of Jhelum at Ganpatyar in Habba Kadal, was built with classical Western European architecture. The building, a century old now, was built during the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh in the late 19th century. It has served as the office of the Srinagar Municipality as well and after that a renowned poet Pandit Deena Nath Nadim converted it to a school in 1947. The building was damaged till basement in 2008 for the construction of a shopping complex. Then started the legal battle, and finally the building was handed over to Tourism Department. The colonial architecture building was recreated by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Kashmir chapter and funded by Tourism Department. The building was revived for an estimated cost of Rs 1.50 crores and now it has been named as a ‘gateway to cultural heritage’ of Kashmir.
Rare and historical photographs of different heritage sites of Srinagar, handicrafts and handloom items, Pinjrakari, old terracotta, wood carving works which includes papier machi, carpet, tilldoze and traditional spices besides Kashmiri wood work, metal work and old maps of 18th century of Kashmir are on display in this new museum. “Since it is in the heart of city, we tried to make it a learning centre of Srinagar. The photographs on display are only about Srinagar, depicted the life of Srinagar. We thought of making tourists familiar with the artifacts and architecture of Srinagar” said Mohammad Saleem Beg, convener INTACH-Kashmir.
