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NC MLC opposes Kousarnag Yatra, says it will prove disastrous for environment 7/23/2014 11:37:43 PM Saahil Suhail ANANTNAG, July 23: Senior National Conference leader and Member of Legislative Council (MLC), Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri, who heads State Environment Committee, today opposed the Government-backed Kousarnag Yatra, saying it will prove disastrous. "We must not allow these things to happen; these virgin spaces should be kept out of human intervention." Veeri said, adding the Government must rethink before starting the yatra. He said that Yatra to Kousarnag and other like places having sensitive environment can prove disastrous and will affect the climate of the state at the larger level. All Parties Migrants' Coordination Committee, a group of migrant Pandits, had earlier announced its yatra calendar for the year 2015 in which the historic Kousarnag (Kramsar-Vishnupaad) yatra was termed as the "most important religious duty". However, the State Government has decided to conduct the yatra this year. The yatra, which is also going on from Jammu side for the last four years, is now being organised from July 28 and the pilgrims from both sides will meet at Kousarnag on Naag Panchami. Several Pandit groups have come together to push for the Gangbal and Kousarnag pilgrimages. The yatra will officially commence on July 28 and Tourism department has been asked to plan it. Kousarnag is one of the highest altitude springs of Kashmir situated on a cliff, about 30 kilometers from Aharbal. The spring shimmers with fresh, crystal clear glacial waters. Kousarnag covers an area of five kilometers in length and two and a half kilometers of scintillating water expanse in breadth, covered almost entirely by mountains on its periphery. The 30-kilometre terrain from Aharbal to Kousarnag is a trekker's delight. The trail follows ancient routes, trodden for centuries by Gujjar and Bakerwal 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. It takes two days by foot to reach Kausar Nag from Aharbal. Experts are of the opinion that a pilgrimage to Kousarnag can damage the natural beauty of the area and ecological balance. It can also pollute a huge water body as well. Separatist leaders too have opposed the Kousarnag Yatra commencing officially from July 28 this year.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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