Rubon Saproo
For Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, it is a turnaround story. The neglect and official apathy towards the beautiful and sacred Mansar Lake had not only cast a dark shadow over the influx of tourists at the place but also affected the economy and opportunity of employment generation through tourism in the area. Inadequate infrastructure and dilapidated condition of the roads can be attributed as major factors for this.
The land locked water body bestowed with full tourism potential, strong religious background and belief at present turned out to be ignored in all spheres of development works and schemes. As compared to other tourist destinations, it is apparent that least attention has been paid to promote tourism at Mansar despite huge potential and favourable topography.
The pure rarefied air of the lust green forests, the rugged mountain vista and the natural beauty, give the Mansar village a unique grandeur. Yet, it is the immense religious significance of the lake that draws tourists and pilgrims every year. People from all shades of life visit the place to seek blessings of the presiding deity, the Sheshnag. Its shrine is situated on the eastern bank of the lake. Even devotees from Pakistan visited Mansar before the inception of militancy and offered rituals. There are many beliefs associated with the lake and one such belief is performing circumambulation (parikarma) with bare feet around the lake by newlywed brings them good luck. Mansar lake is very sacred and shares equal significance of lake Mansarvour of the Tibetan highlands.
As the sun sets, the tourist place plunges into inky-darkness because of inadequate power supply. The illumination installed, which includes four big and about 150 small lights, all around the lake totally could not have received electricity for last five months and with the result to enjoy the lake view under lights remain a distant dream for the visitors. Besides, a small fountain on the banks of lake has also stopped sprinkling water due to power shortage. The snapping of power supply has further affected the working of many appliances which are necessary to maintain eco-friendly environment at any tourist place. The Surinsar Mansar Development Authority (SMDA) and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department which looks into the development of the spot are tight lipped over the issue. However, it has been learnt that insufficient funds is the main reason behind the power crisis at the Mansar lake. The problem could be well understood from the fact that the place even could not have a generator facility to cater the need on some important occasion. And with the result, the tourists avoid to stay at overnights here due to lack of basic facilities and enjoyment.
The tourism in Mansar has never tasted the kind of take-off it deserves. The tourist spot battling for the development since very long is still lacking in infrastructure than other destinations in the state. The examples of such neglect are not difficult to find. The main road leading to Mansar lake from just near Samba on National highway No.1A reveals the sad story of the travel. The dilapidated condition of the road renders every traveller in discomfort. The bumpy road with ditches and pits from Nud to Mansar is not only a greater concern for tourists but also for local populace. Another importance of the route is being shortcut connectivity between Samba and Udhampur. Despite it, the road has not been properly maintained and the 22 kms journey from Chichi Mata temple to mansar lake is very hectic as it may take you more than an hour to reach the Mansar lake. As a result, the flow of visitors dwindled in number. The worsen condition of the road from last four years has exposed the tall claims of the Government to promote tourism in the state and particularly in the Jammu region.
What is most distressing is the condition of banks of lake where one can see heaps of garbage, plastic bags, wrappers and rotten food strewn all over. A small park surrounded by few mango and other trees is not being properly maintained. The only shades to protect your self from sun and rain during summer are broad green leaves of trees. There are no shades and proper sitting arrangements. Stray animals are roaming inside the park and their waste is quite visible. The insufficient dust bins, broken fencing, shabby look alongside pavement and drinking water facility also remain in focus of everyone’s attention. Another greater concern for visitors is the blocked and stinky toilets. An official working with the tourism department said that about 26 gardeners have been engaged to maintain the beauty of the lake but only 12 of them are seen working among which three are physically challenged. This kind of treatment towards the beautification of lake clearly shows apathy and neglect of the park management.
The mansar lake, which is the only well-known water body in Jammu, is presently under severe threat from its neighbourhood. With no sewage treatment plant, the waste from dhabas and small restaurants goes straight into the lake. This kind of reckless human activity is not merely increasing the pollution levels of the water body but also affecting its aquatic life. A huge drain there pours all the area’s waste into the lake during rains. However, noticing all this, the state pollution control board so far has practically failed to initiate corrective measures to prevent the lake from turning into a chemical disaster.
Yet another case of ignoring the tourist place is to preserve its history and heritage. A magnificent monument of about 200 years old situated on the eastern bank of the lake is presently in shambles. Although we do not have detailed information regarding this monument, yet very little has been done to either study or to preserve the art work. It has been learnt that the heritage building had once unique frescoes based on the Ramayana which has faded with the time. The heritage building which remains focus of everyone’s attention is presently battling for survival. A precious specimen of art deserves a foremost place among the remains of antiquity is to be preserved. Not only money but artistic skill would be required to restore its glory. The building will prove as a major attraction for tourists in near future once its old splendour has been brought back.
“Tourism will not flourish without participation of local youth who are well educated and eco- friendly,” says naib- sarpanch of chani mansar Mohinder Kumar, adding Government should grant permission to locals for setting up resorts in the neighbourhood of the lake keeping in view of the fewer accommodation facilities. “This will not only boost economy but also generate employment opportunities for them,” he asserted. He further said that permission for building constructions should be given under a well defined tourism policy. Another youth of the same village blamed Government for its failure to restore basic infrastructure to promote mansar as a unique destination.
Endowed with panoramic beauty and abundant waters, the lake is the only source of providing drinking water to inhabitants of Mansar. On its banks is the temple dedicated to Sheshnag. Apart from this temple, tourists can also visit some other temples like Durga, Shiva-Parvati and Umppati Mahadev temple. A wildlife sanctuary located in proximity to the lake housing jungle life like barking deer, blue bull and peafowl, which can be spotted any time in a day. One can also witness fish, tortoise and flickering of seasonal birds. It is believed snakes can also be seen on different occasions in the lake. A camel ride and children’s corner are few utmost attractions for children. In addition, visitors may enjoy a boat ride in the lake.
Located between the forest covered hills, Mansar Lake is about 62Kms from Jammu. Its length is 2.5 kms and breadth 1.5 kms. Several mythological tales glorify the holiness of this lake, but one can tell the story of how Babar van, son of Arjuna got mani from the underworld to make his father alive, whom he had killed earlier unintentionally. This he did by striking an arrow to make srung at srungsar (now surinsar) and came out along with mani at manisar(the present day mansar) after defeating sheshnag. The history of both the lakes Surinsar and Mansar goes back to the period of Mahabharata. In keeping view of the importance of place both religious and tourism point , it is high time for the Government to wake up from its slumber and initiate corrective measures to change the face of tourism in Mansar.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
