HAMAL: Rafiabad’s Historic Waterway

Rafiabad, renowned for its stunning vistas and tranquil landscapes, boasts a rich ambiance intertwined with the flows of its historic water way. Amidst its vibrant life-giving lush meadows, set in the heart of picturesque region, originates a timeless treasure of Hamal from Qazinag spring perched atop a hill in kandi-belt, locally referred to as Kaejnag. Hamal, holding a unique significance, is a haven untouched by the frenetic pace of modernity.

Bordered by bewitching natural beauty of lush green forests, serene locales and mesmerizing mountain peaks clad with snow throughout the year, the calm meadows render a very peaceful aura to the famed Hamal which makes a sudden sally from Qazinag peak, away at some 25 kms from tehsil headquarters of Dangiwacha.

Having settled Rafiabad on its both banks from times immemorial, Hamal flows through different villages to join the brimming river Jhelum eventually at Doabgah (a spot where two waters meet)— reminding us of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s lines in Brook poem: I Chatter, Chatter as I flow, To join the brimming river. For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever…

Among the five streams that emerge from Qazinag in different directions is Mawer and Hamal besides the other three which flow towards Bejihama (Uri), Muzafferabad, and Teetwal (Karnah). Hamal and Mawer flow eastwards in V-shape. Like Mawer area in Handwara; Hamal also represents an area, called earlier Ellaqa Hamal, now Rafibada.

Hamal, an Urdu word, means pregnancy or a germination spot. The enchanting stream acts as a source to many smaller streams like Vejj, Talar, Babul, etc. flowing in different locations in Rafiabad’s lower-belt, densely populated with orchards. Not only does Hamal irrigate the agricultural land throughout the pretty area but also provides drinking water to no. of villages down the line.

Legend has it that Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad aka Bakshi Saeb, had come to Dangiwacha on Oct. 24, 1958 to participate in a Jalsa (procession) when the whole nation was observing the day of Rafi Ahmad Kidwai—politician, an Indian independence activist and a socialist who served as a Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in India. It was during this historic visit Bakshi Saheb, all of a sudden, announced that Ellaqa Hamal will be known as Rafiabad—expanded currently  to a big area, comprising around 80 villages.

The present day Hamal totally presents a grim picture unlike an old leaping chronicle whose overflowing banks roared for days when it rained, reflecting its magnanimity. However, Hamal has now stopped singing mellifluous songs of beauty and survival.  It’s up to Zethan village only, does it jump with joy but below this spot, simply a sad narrative of encroachment, pollution, toilet construction, etc. is portrayed till it lastly goes into Jhelum.

Flowing through lush green meadows and pastures, Hamal offers more than just the breathtaking scenic banks. It serves not only as a gateway to experience the vibrant cultures of Rafibada villages but it also stands as a testament to region’s magnificent ambiance. But how sad! What once was an identity, teemed with fish, boasted agriculture and horticulture sectors, and a major drinking water source, now finds itself utterly strangulated at quite many places.

Away at 32 kms from district headquarters of Baramulla where Hamal is formed, is a famous picnic spot of Mund Dajji, to the west of Pazalpora village, some 17 kms away from Dangiwacha—a place founded by Sufi Saint Khawaj Yousuf Shah, around 400 years ago. As an unexplored and hidden gem, this enchanting picnic point gained attention only after winter carnival of Feb. 22, 2023, when Dr Sehrish Asgar Sahiba (former DC, B’la) organized a snow festival here to evoke a tremendous response, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

The historic Hamal adored its banks since origin. The must-visit Mund Dajji aside, its embellished banks have turned into a recreation now with recently inaugurated Children’s Park at GK Khan and Public Park at Anwerabad, Watergam. A filtration plant by Jal Shakti department constructed at Dandusa, near Markipora Bala village will provide tap water to score of villages. Yet, also, a famous dancer (singer too) Hamal-e-Bulbul from Butsuma (village of artists) will continue to captivate the Hamal lovers.

“Rafiabad was Ellaqa Hamal until 1958. It was named by Bakshi Sahib. My father Lt. Ghulam Ahmad Masoodi, a teacher, told me that while reading a Spasnama (a representation of an area) in front of a gathering at Dangiwacha, the word Ellaqa Hamal appeared strange to Bakshi sahib who instantly changed it to Rafiabad on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai’s name. This is how, Ellaqa Hamal switched to Rafiabad”, says eminent scholar and former secretary cultural academy, J&K, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi nostalgically.

An old man Lt. Jamal Parray who used to visit frequently Qazinag peaks, was a famous character at one point of time. I have heard it from him that Hamal is one among the five Nalas (streams) that originates from Qazinag. The erstwhile Hamal was neat and tidy, and the main source of transportation besides irrigating the agricultural land and providing drinking water to people. However, presently, it has shrunk to a mere Kul (mini steam), regrettably reported to this author by a renowned retd. teacher Mr Mehrajuddin Geelani of Dazna, Rafiabad.

My memories of childhood are so sepia-tinted—that I just can’t resist recalling how devastating and roaring Hamal used to be when during school hours, our parents helped us to cross it over that Kanul (a makeshift bridge) in the vicinity. As we navigate modern complexities, let us restore this historic brook, its former glory and lift it to an emblem of cultural richness, historical significance, beauty & elegance.

Manzoor Akash is columnist, and author from Rafiabad