About Beerwah
Beerwah is a subdistrict in the central Kashmir located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Beerwah is one of the biggest constituencies, municipal areas and towns as well as it is one of the oldest tehsils in Budgam district of J&K. The meaning of Beerwah in Sanskrit language is “beautiful”. This name has been derived from “Behroop” which is the name for Beerwah’s springs. Urdu and Hindi are the main languages that are spoken in Beerwah.History of Beerwah
During the rule of Mughals, Beerwah used to be a “Pargana”. It comprises areas of ex-district of Srinagar. In the year 1766, Governor Laal Mohd. Khatak constructed a fort. In 1801, this fort was mended by Governor Abdullah Khan but in 1884 it was destructed due to an earthquake. In 1962, the area comprising Beerwah, Budgam and Baramulla attained the status of “Tehsil Ranbir Singh”. Afterward in the year 1979 the Budgam tehsil was divided.The area was permitted the status of “subdistrict” in 1970s and backed by Syed Ali Shah Bukhari. Until the year 2013, the region was only partially implemented. Later, Chief Minister Mirwaiz and Omar Abdullah of central Kashmir did the need full.
Geography of Beerwah
The area consists of wooded regions with numerous streams and rivers which include Lear Kol, Mean, Mala Kol, Laen, Sona Mean, Zaen and Ahij Kol. The Sona Mean, Laen and Ahij Kol share a source at “Sukhnag”. Mala Kol is famous as “Deaf and dumb stream” among the locals owing to a tale which narrates that during the visit of Saint Syed Taj-Uddin to Khag, this stream followed the saint mutely from Sukhnag to Sikandrpora. The seniors residing in the locality keep on narrating tales about the other local streams.
Population of Beerwah
According to the census of 2011, the population of Beerwah was 6295 which comprised of 47% women populace and 53% men populace. The average literacy rate of Beerwah is 43 percent which is much less than the national average i.e. 59.5 percent. The female literacy rate is 39% and the male literacy rate is 61%. The populace below the age of 6 years is 16 percent. Beerwah encompasses around 42 panchayats and 42 villages.Climate of Beerwah
Beerwah being a cold region remains chilly during the summers as well. The maximum day temperature in the summer season ranges between 3 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius. In the winter months the minimum temperature drops down to -2 degree Celsius.Physical Features of Beerwah
The physical attributes of Beerwah consists of the following:Pastures
The region of Beerwah consists of numerous pastures such as- Pehjan, Tosamaidan and Khag. Pehjan is located near “Wular lake” and it is and alpine pasture. It highlights the local flora and picturesque views from the peak of Nanga Parbat.Tosamaidan is located 10 kilometers away from Khag in Himalayas and it is a huge pasture which is surrounded by thick deodar forests.
This pasture is used by the “Gujjars” and the local shepherds.
Khag is another pasture which lies in southwest of Kashmir. It is at a height of approximately 8000-14000 feet over the sea level. Khag is bounded by high mountains. During summers when the Nomadic Bakarwals bring along their livestock for grazing, the place looks quite charming.
Springs
The Beerwah region comprises several springs that are worth watching for both tourists as well as the locals. Some of the well-known springs of this region are- Sukhnag, Sutharan, Pushkar Nag, Gandhak Nag and Naranag.Sukhnag is also famous as “Spring of Solace” which flows in 20 feet high cascade at the Kanj Zubji.
Sutharan is situated close to the Tosamaidan and the locals believe that Lord Rama dwelled here with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during his twelve year exile. The name of the spring is derived from Sita who is supposed to have bathed in this spring.
Pushkar Nag lies amid Ferozpora and Khag and is in the east of the village of Poshker. The name of this spring is derived from the name of the village. During the Sawan month, the Kashmiri Pandits visit this spring and take a dip as a ritual and also offer prayers.
Gandhak Nag is located in a village in Khag named “Darang Khaipora”. It is a Sulfur spring which is famous because of its healing properties due to the presence of Sulfur.
Naranag is a spring which is situated in the vicinity of Khag village.
Natural Formations
In the vicinity of Pehjan pasture there lays a rock named “Nakwaer Pal”. The height of this rock is 14000 feet and it is the topmost summit of the range. As per the local legends, at the time when the Kashmir valley used to be a lake, the boats were fastened to this rock. Nowadays the Gujjars and shepherds come here from nearby villages along with their cattle.Economy of Beerwah
The local economy of Beerwah is agriculture. The main crops that are cultivated here are- vegetables, apricots, rice, pears, cherries, mustard, almonds, walnuts and apples.There are also some small scale businesses that contribute to the economy of Beerwah, these are- shawls, carpets, embroidery work and knitting. Kashmiri shawls and carpets are sold globally, however owing to the rising prices, low salary and family pressure the textile manufacturers of Beerwah have moved to other industries.
The main hub for business in Beerwah is the “Magam Market”.
Beerwah Tourism
Beerwah is famous for its pastures, springs and picturesque attributes and these attract the tourists to visit this place again and again. The government is also making efforts to improve the road connectivity in order to facilitate the local accessibility. Besides having scenic features Beerwah also brags of some renowned market places at Magam and Narabal.Gulmarg, Budgam, Khilanmarg, Srinagar and Yusmarg are some important tourist spots that are located in close proximity to Beerwah.