Bani Niabat- pending demand of the people of Bani area to up grade the status of Niabat to Tehsil

Bani Niabat- pending demand of the people of Bani area to up grade the status of Niabat to Tehsil

Bani is situated at a distance of 88 kms from Basohli town (Sub-Divisional Headquarter) and is linked by a motoable road which, however sometimes gets closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Bani is a small but beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and is having tremendous potential as a tourist attraction. It is a base camp for Trekkers for going to different adventure/religious destinations. 

Presently, Bani is a territorial Niabat of Tehsil Bosohli and there was a long pending demand of the people of Bani area to up grade the status of Niabat to Tehsil. After becoming a Tehsil, the people of this hilly part of District Kathua are likely to be benefited to a large extent particularly after commissioning of the Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road, which further connects the valley over Synthan Pass, the economic activity in this area will get a quantum jump.

Bani Niabat is further divided into two C.D. Blocks namely, Bani and Duggan with headquarters at Bani and Duggan. The areas falling within Bani Niabat are well bifurcated from rest of Tehsil Basohli through Banjal Pass which as earlier stated, sometimes, does remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Declare Moungri "Heritage Village"

Copy of letter was sent to Daily Excelsior


Sir,




Fortunate enough that the mountainous village Moungri of district Udhampur, besides being famous for having sacred abode of naturally formed Shiv-Parvati Caves Shrine, is enjewelled with several other ancient shrines. The innumerable shrines of various deities/devtas at fabulous spots viz magnificent hill tops, scenic slopes, beautiful meadows etc within the radius of 6-7 km, are quite unique and its adjoining part is abundantly decked with such wonderful shrines that add alluring charm and breath-taking attraction to its bountiful natural pilgrim-tourist potential. The village Moungri undoubtedly is a "village of shrines'' like Jammu as "City of Temples''. It has more than 33 shrine sites within aforesaid radius.






Keeping in view the matchless and rich heritage scattered all-around the all seasons' village Moungri deserves to be declard as "Heritage Village''. To identify and tap the shrines and collect more information about the hidden treasure along with area's climatic, topographic and infrastructural aspects, a survey of concerned officials should be deputed. So that the multifaceted treasure, which is a noble symbol of cultural heritage and communal harmony, may come to light. In this way the blessed area would assume more significance as well as great boost in Pilgrim-tourism setor on the one hand and priceless heritage would be preserved and promoted for the future generations on the other. It is also relevant to mention here that the Government has already made village Moungri, Youth Hostel Moungri the base camp of the 7 days Moungri-Mantalai Heritage Trek. In the trekking expedition not only domestic but foreign trekkers also participate in large numbers.






Yours etc...


Swatantra Dev Kotwal
1/226, Subhash Nagar, Udhampur