Kousar Nag Yatra from July 28

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Finally, the last of the major fountainhead of Kashmir is getting consumed by the pollution that is being generated in the name of faith. This time, it is emanating from Katra to Shopian in the South Kashmir.

District administration Reasi will be holding a 6 day long pilgrimage for Hindus to Kousar Nag in Shopian and it is starting on July 28.

Additional DDC Reasi Rajinder Singh Tara said they may consider even introducing chopper service. The government is placing six teams of doctors with medicines and oxygen to help Yatris.

Sources said that army is chipping in with creating tented accommodation throughout the route. Harshu in Mahore is the base camp and the Yatra will pass through Salal, Arnas, Dharmari, Mahore, Chasana and Sungri areas of Reasi district to reach Kounsar Nag in Shopian.

They added that the puja will commence on July 30, the day of Nag Panchami. Tara has told the state tourism department to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to popularise the spot by erecting hoardings at prominent locations, so that pilgrims after visiting the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi here could be diverted to such locations.

Kousar Nag is one of the highest altitude springs of Kashmir situated on a cliff some 30 kilometres from Aharbal. The spring shimmers with fresh, crystal clear glacial waters. Kouser Nag covers an area of five kilometres in length and two and a half kilometres of scintillating water expanse in breadth, covered almost entirely by mountains on its periphery.

The 30-kilometre terrain from Aharbal to Kousar Nag is a trekker’s delight. The trail follows ancient routes, trodden for centuries by gujjar and bakarwaal nomads. Leaving behind the alpine grandeur of Aharbal, the track passes through Kungewattan, the overnight camping spot. Kungewattan encompasses a series of plain landmass, suited for the production of medicinal plants and agricultural purpose.

Kausar Nag is appropriately 145 kilometres from summer capital Srinagar and is situated at a height of 12,140 feet above sea level. Kausar Nag Lake is 2 kilometres in area, surrounded by snow capped mountains and fresh blue waters. It takes two days by foot to reach Kausar Nag from the base – Aharbal.

Experts are of the opinion that a pilgrimage to Kousar Nag can damage the natural beauty of the area and ecological balance. It can also pollute a huge water body as well.

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