Sarthal a paradise in Jammu but needs attention

Mudasar Ali 

Sarthal, located in the Tehsil Bani of District Kathua, is a beautiful tourist destination, situated near Bhaderwah, Basohli, and Pathankot. It is approximately 50 kilometers away from Bhaderwah and is one of the most charming places in Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to as "Mini Kashmir." The area is blessed with abundant natural beauty, with lush greenery, dense forests, towering mountains, and clear air. Sarthal’s scenery rivals popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The beauty of the region has been further enhanced by snowfall, attracting visitors year-round. 

Mudasar Ali, a prominent social activist from Bani, has dedicated extensive efforts to the development of the Sarthal tourist destination. His deep passion for the region and its potential has led him to conceptualize several visionary plans to enhance its appeal and infrastructure. With a clear understanding of the area’s rich natural beauty and untapped potential, Mudasar Ali is not only a driving force in local activism but also a key figure whose insights could play a pivotal role in transforming Sarthal into a nationally recognized tourist hub.

It is now essential for the government to recognize his invaluable contribution and actively seek his guidance in advancing the region's development. His visionary plans and profound knowledge of the area’s needs could provide the necessary momentum to catapult Sarthal to the national stage, ensuring it receives the attention and resources it deserves. Through collaboration with forward-thinking leaders like Mudasar Ali, the government can help realize the full potential of this beautiful destination and make it a must-visit spot for tourists from across the country.

The region is enriched in natural beauty and offers an enchanting atmosphere that draws both local and international tourists. Each year, thousands of tourists from Bhaderwah, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and other states come to enjoy the serene landscape of Sarthal. Particularly, during the summer, tourists flock here because the weather remains neither too hot nor too cold, providing a comfortable environment for them to enjoy the lush greenery and scenic beauty.

In the winter, the area is covered in snow, and visitors enjoy playing with snowballs, making the experience even more delightful. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Sarthal is also a location for film shootings, with several songs having been recorded here. The region also hosts various events like cricket tournaments and the annual Chinj Mela/Dangal (wrestling competition) held every year from June 25th to 27th. This mela has been celebrated for over a hundred years and attracts people from Bhaderwah, Kathua, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and beyond.

Sarthal’s attractiveness is not only due to its beauty but also because it serves as a picnic destination for schools and colleges. As the summer season begins, the Gujjars and Bakarwals bring their livestock to the area, adding to the charm of this picturesque place. The locals are always happy to see tourists enjoying the beauty of the area, as it brings life and prosperity to the region.

Traditional attire in Sarthal includes churidar pajamas, phadi woolen coats in winter, and pherans (long, loose-fitting garments) for both men and women. Men also wear a dastar (turban), while women wear ghagras. The region’s cuisine includes local delicacies like rajma chawal, kasrod ki sabzi (fiddlehead), and sarson ka saag. Dairy products such as kadhi or karhi (a yogurt-based dish), kalari cheese, desi lassi (yogurt drink), and makhan (butter) are also staples. Local sweets like barfi and jalebi are favorites, while fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries, along with dry fruits like almonds and walnuts, are commonly found here.

The languages spoken in Sarthal include Pahari, Dogri, Hindi, Kashmiri, and Urdu. Local music and dance styles include Dogri and Pahari songs, along with the Kud and Gaddi dances.

Despite its natural beauty, Sarthal, and the Bani Tehsil, in general, has been often overlooked by both tourists and authorities. The region faces several challenges, including a lack of basic infrastructure that could make it a more viable tourist destination. Sarthal suffers from power issues, and although a mobile tower has been installed, it has yet to be activated. Public toilet complexes and health facilities are also lacking. Tourists often face difficulties in finding accommodation or food, as the area lacks hotels or restaurants to cater to the growing number of visitors. Furthermore, cleanliness is a concern, with a shortage of dustbins and proper waste management.

The people of Sarthal want the government to improve infrastructure, build parks, install fountains, and create better facilities for visitors. They also urge for the development of the Chattergala Tunnel, which has been awaited for over five years, as it would help connect Bani to Bhaderwah more efficiently, opening up opportunities for locals, especially the educated youth, who are currently struggling with unemployment. This project could be a game-changer for the region, providing employment opportunities and boosting tourism.

Additionally, the locals hope that the government will consider installing a Gondola lift in Sarthal to attract more tourists and improve the overall infrastructure. A better road network, including the year-round opening of the Bhaderwah, Basohli, Pathankot highway, would make the region more accessible, encouraging tourism and benefiting the economy.

The locals also believe that promoting Sarthal and Bani as a tourism hub will help curb the growing issues of unemployment and drug abuse among the youth. The tourism industry could provide a stable source of income for families, allowing them to lead better lives.

ISarthal is a hidden gem that deserves more attention and promotion. With its natural beauty, rich culture, and potential for growth, the area could become a major tourist destination if the government takes the necessary steps to improve its infrastructure. By focusing on Sarthal, the government can provide employment opportunities, enhance the local economy, and create a better future for the residents. Local authorities, such as Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the Director of Tourism Jammu, are urged to visit the area and help elevate its status on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.