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Warwan: A valley in isolation

Highlighting the challenges people of Warwan valley face for decades
11:15 PM Jan 21, 2025 IST | Firdous Ahmad Khanday
warwan  a valley in isolation
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Warwan is one of the remotest valleys of Jammu & Kashmir. Located 65 kilometres northeast of Kishtwar district and 150 kilometres from Srinagar, characterised by the absence of electricity, limited communication facilities, and a single road that connects it to other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. And unfortunately this road remains blocked for more than six months each year due to heavy snowfall, isolating the valley during winters.

Warwan valley known for its breathtaking natural beauty continues to face neglect. The valley is not just a feast for eyes, it is also a playground for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, alike in every season.

Here I highlight some challenges that the people of Warwan valley are facing since decades.

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Economic challenges: Warwan valley faces significant economic challenges, primarily due to its remoteness and lack of manufacturing activities. This valley is largely dependent on imports from Kashmir region for basic necessities, as there is no local production. This heavy reliance on external sources not only increases costs for the residents but also contributes to limited economic opportunities. The price of essential items is higher compared to other areas, putting a financial strain on residents

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While emphasising the economic hardships of the Warwan people, I personally believe that the tourism can play a significant role in providing employment opportunities to the unemployed youths and will contribute to local economy significantly. This valley needs attention of investors so that the people there could make benefit.

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Lack of infrastructure: Poor road connectivity and the absence of worthwhile transport network increases the cost of importing goods and hinders economic growth. It also blocks the chances tourism and other economic opportunities. So the valley needs immediate attention of concerned authorities to end this inaccessibility. What can make the valley accessible round the year is a tunnel.

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Education and youth challenges: It is very unfortunate that even in this digital era the youths from this region are unable to receive proper education. This is due to limited resources like inadequate qualified staff in schools, no internet facility, no proper sanitation etc. All this results in mounting illiteracy in the valley. In addition, those who can manage to provide quality education to their children send them to other regions of Kashmir for pursuing higher education. Those who can not do that due to financial constraints, their dreams remain just dreams. So the government must come up with creative ideas to solve this problem as quickly as possible.

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Chinar International Organization, an NGO, is committed to support the people of this valley. It has worked with great dedication since decades, and its contribution to the valley is just commendable. This organization is actively functioning in the valley, and has initiated multiple projects, such as running CLC centers in the education sector to provide free education to children. Furthermore, they offer free training to girls in cutting and stitching, and embroidery works, empowering them to become self-reliant and independent. This organisation is working with great zeal and dedication for the welfare of people of Warwan. Also, I would like to highlight the contribution of two iconic and notable figures like Dr Muzaffar Rather from Mungli Warwan and Dr Z A Wani from Dasbal Warwan, both dedicated to promoting the uniqueness of gastronomy tourism, scope of wildlife tourism, potential of adventure tourism and ecotourism.

 

Firdous Ahmad Khanday is pursuing Masters in the Department of Tourism Hospitality and Leisure Studies at University of Kashmir