Bhalessa

Bhalessa (/bhəl.ɛsɑː/; Urdu: بھلیسہ‎, pronounced [bʱəl.ɪsaːɦ]; Hindustani: भलेसा, pronounced [bʱəl.ɪsaːɦ]) is a geographical area in the Doda district of the Jammu region in Jammu and Kashmir.[1] It consists of the Bunjwah and Bhalessa valley, comprising of the three Tehsils of Kahara, Chilly Pingal and Gandoh.

Bhalessa

بھلیسہ
Region
Jamia Masjid Akhyarpur Bhalessa built by Alhaj Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri
Bhalessa
Location in Jammu and Kashmir
Bhalessa
Bhalessa (India)
Coordinates: 33.03°N 75.90°E / 33.03; 75.90
Country India
Union territoryJammu and Kashmir
DistrictDoda
Population
 (2011)
 • Total71,889[1]
Language
 • OfficialUrdu
 • LocalKashmiri, Bhalessi, Gojri, Bhaderwahi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
182203

Etymology

There are a variety of opinions regarding the origins of Bhalessa's name.[2] Some believe "Bhalessa" is derived from Bhalay Loug (Hindustani: भले लोग), which means "good people". Others believe that it derives from the word Bhalay Manus (Hindustani: भले मनोउस), which means "good mind". According to Dr. P. K. Kaul, Bhalessa's name is derived from Queen Bhalla, The Queen of Nagpal.

About and demographics

About

The Bhalessa region includes three Tehsils, or administrative divisions – Gandoh, Chilly Pingal, and Kahara.

The Bhalessa region comprises of two valleys: Bonjwah and Bhalessa. Bonjwah contains multiple streams, whereas Bhalessa is drained by the Kalgoni stream [2]. The two rivulets unite near Donadi and finally merge into the Chenab river.[3]

The area was easily accessible from Churaha Wazarat of Chamba through passes such as Padri Gali and Mehlwar. To the north, it is touched by the snow clad mountains of Kishtwar.[4]

Bhalessa contains various geographical hamlets, such as Neeli, Jitota, Pingal, Chilli, Nanota and Basnota. The picturesque places include Bal Padri, Kanthi Dhar, Soin Bhagar, Naglotan,[5] Goha Dhar, Jawali meadows, Ghasheer Top, Makan and Chashool, Ghati Dhar, Mehal Dhar, Damote Dhar, Lakhan, Kehan dhar, Mashood dhar, Mihaad Dhar, Bach dhar, Nagni Dhar, Talaie,Dhosa Meadows, Rohari Meadows, Lamhote Meadows,Kota Top, Pangas top Gwalo, Dhanaso Dhar and Dulchi dhar.

Demographics

Bhalessa ranked 3rd in Doda district in terms of population. It ranked 60th in the state. As per the Census record of Government of India, the total population of the area is 71,889. Bhalessa has total 20,813 people employed. Out of total employed, 15646 are Males and 5167 are females, It is evident from the Data that males are three times more employed then females.The need is not only to develop competence among women folk but also set up the women income generation Programmes to overcome this issue. Nonetheless, Government has setup a Women ITI at Bhalessa that may contribute to the development of skill and competence among the male dominated strata.[6]

The employment ratio of Bhalessa is 29%. Bhalessa ranked 4th in Doda District and 69th in the state as far as employment of the people is concerned. The problem needs a fleeting attention.[7]

Literacy: The literacy ratio is 57% with 33,194 total people literate. 43% of the population is illiterate. There are 13216 households in Bhalessa. Average Sex Ration is 956. The child Sex Ratio is 962 which are greater than the average sex ratio. The male literacy is 59.5 % whereas female literacy is 32.71%. In view of the calculations at village level, there seemed a low educational awareness among the female strata.[1]

Transport

The route to Bhalessa from its nearest airport in Jammu goes through Batote via the National Highway 144, the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and the National Highway 244 which is known as Batote – Kishtwar National Highway, later leads to Thathri which is just 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Kishtwar. To reach Bhalessa, it is necessary to leave the National Highway by a link road known as Thathri-Gandoh-Khilotran road.[8]

Concerns are often raised about the state of the roads in the region, particularly the Thathri–Kilhotran Road, which is still incomplete after decades of construction.[9]

Tourism

Bhalessa has been a source of attraction for the trackers and tourists.[5] There are three Tehsils in the area like Gandoh, Chilly pingal and Kahara.[10]

The area consist of green uplands like Bal Padri, that can be a source of attraction for the tourism potential. The demand for the separate tourism authority by the inhabitants of Bhalessa has been put in before the government in order to exhibit the tourism potential. The people of Bhalessa has represented at various levels, in sports, education, politics,civil services and other diverse fields. Bhalessa is known for interfaith harmony. Both the communities continue to live in peace during turmoil. As of 2020, the inhabitants of Bhalessa region which consist of three Tehsils viz Gandoh, Chilly Pingal and Kahara are demanding a Hill District status and a Tourism Development Authority to exhibit the potential and for administrative convenience.[5] As of July 2020, two potential spots have been identified for creation of tourism assets in Block Changa.[11]

Tourist attractions
Beer Su Waterfall in Bhalessa

The below listed tourist spot are natural landscapes and not managed by any government departments as of 2020.

Bhal Padri in Bhalessa
  1. Bhal Padri, a hill station on meadows in Changa.[12]
  2. Kanthi Dhar, a group of meadows lies near Khilotran. A local fair(Mela) held annually there. The people from nearby areas participate in this fair.[13]
  3. Makan and Chuchool[13]
  4. Mehal Dhar, a valley of Bhalessa located in Chilly[13]
  5. Damote Dhar[13]
  6. Bach Dhar[13]
  7. Nagni Dhar[13]
  8. Rohari Dhar, located near Khaljugasar[13]
  9. Goha Dhar. The meadows are the main attraction.
  10. Lamhote Meadows, situated in Chilly Pingal tehsil of Bhalessa. Local tourists visit these meadows for picnic.
  11. Kota Top, located in Jotota area, has tourism potential of mostly local tourists.
  12. Pangas Top, situated in Gowalo area.[13]
  13. Dhanaso Dhar, located on Gwalo and Shongini route.[13]
  14. Dulchi Dhar, also located in Gwalo Shongini area and has a tourism potential which attracts local tourists for picnic.[13]
  15. Soin Bhagar, a well known place in Bhalessa and it is a local tourists visiting place since earlier.[13]
  16. Naglotan, popular for summer mountaineering, a valley located in Bhalessa.[13]
  17. Jawali meadows, located in higher reaches of Soti Gingota range of Changa block in tehsil Gandoh.[13]
  18. Ghasheer Top, a well known place for the trekkers and mounteneers. It is a hub of tourists but has not been adopted as of now by the tourism authorities. It is situated in Chilly Pingal tehsil of Bhalessa.[13]
  19. Talaie, surrounded by Gamgul, Dagan, Mandral and Kawali meadows in Changa block of Bhalessa. The places are attractive for the mounteneers and travellers.[13]
  20. Dhosa Meadows, located adjacent to Bharti villages of Changa. Dhosa is a valley in Changa Bhalessa.[13]
  21. Lakhan, located in Chilly Pingal, is a tourist attraction.[13]
  22. Kehan Dhar, located in Chilly Pingal, Bhalessa.[13]
  23. Mashood Dhar, a valley located in Chilly Pingal.[13]
  24. Mihaad Dhar, also situated in Chilly Pingal area of Bhalessa.[13]
  25. Moti Bagra, is situated in Amritpura Top in Chilly Pingal.
  26. Chilly Meadows, located in Chilly.
  27. Kahara Meadows, number of meadows located in Kahara tehsil of Bhalessa.
  28. Kakoti Top, several places like Kakoti, Raj Goth, Ghati, Gata, Mandral are the main places for tourists attraction. The places like Jagsoon, Choundi, Chani, Luddu Kansar, Chenser, Bhargi, Jullo Shingini, Kilhotran, Batt Gowari, Chenyas, Jakyas, Kota Bounencha, Inharrah, Malano, Basnota, Nanhota, Gorekhra are some of the places that need fleeting attention for Tourism development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Politics and administration

Bhalessa have a Sub Divisional Headquarter controlled by Sub Divisional Megistrate located at Gandoh.[14]

Bhalessa consist of three Tehsils Gandoh, Chilly Pingal and Kahara. The trio Tehsils has a wide area. There have been demands for a Hill District Status for these tehsils,[15] as well as for the creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority,[16] and an office of ADC.[17]

According to political listings, Bhalessa is listed in Bhaderwah constituency and Inderwal constituency. Notable politicians include:

  • Ghulam Nabi Azad, a congress leader hails from Soti village of Bhalessa. He was the winning candidate in 2006 from Bhaderwah constituency.[18] He was also the Minister of Health and Family Welfare.[19] Presently, he serves as the Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha.[20]
  • Mohd Sharief Niaz, a congress leader hails from Changa village in Bhalessa. He contested 2009 assembly elections from Bhaderwah constituency.[21]
  • Daleep Singh Parihar, a BJP leader hails from Batara village in Bhalessa. He is the former MLA candidate from Bhaderwah constituency.

Culture

The common feature of cultural heritage of Bhalessa include sharing of common brotherhood according to the excerpts of Sadaket Malik. The area is having mixed culture and the people are speaking several dialects, viz Mixed Kashmiri, Gojri, and hindu's speak Pahari. Overtime, there is an evidence of migration of some pandits from Kashmir valley.The islamic schools and islamic way of life is seen in full swing. The unprecedented growth of Madersas, Annual Majlis of Madersas on preacings are held.

"Kod" is a popular cultural festival celebrated in Bhalessa. Kod and folk dancers worship. In the town of Bhalessa and its hilly roads, there are number of holy places and memorials. The devotees start their pilgrimage to these deities and perform Kod. Other festivals are :

  • Panyaou
  • kanchoth
  • Basow
  • Dikhneen
  • Malchay
  • Rang
  • Jatras
  • Bheja Mela of Beerdevsthan is the Biggest Night mela of Doda district held at Bheja.
  • Kalgoni Mela

Nomadic people of Gujjar and Bakarwals group, comes down to plain and barren areas of Punjab during winter. During summer they go deep in the mountainous valley of Bhalessa with their cattle. They carry out business of milk, cheese and ghee. On the occasion of marriage the Gujjars perform their folk dances.[22]

  • Traditional Industry like old Traditions of Farming Bee keeping, Honey keeping, Sheep Cattle Rearing, Handloom, Blankets making, Ghee production etc which Contributed to cultural Economy of Bhalessa.Maize Rajmash Ghee Honey Hospitality made the area Famous in the State.

Education

There is a college in Kilhotran under the name and style of Government Degree College Kilhotran. Bhalessa has a Well knitted schools and are imparting education in rural villages[23]

Bhalessa has a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) imparting technical training to the young people.[24]

There is an unprecedented growth of madrasa (Islamic Schools) education. The madrasa include Jamia Gani tul uloom, Asrar ul Uloom etc.[25] Jamia Gani tul uloom is the largest seminary Madrasa in Jammu province[26] located in Bhalessa. The Jamia was founded by Alhaj Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri.

NGOs

Several notable NGOs in Bhalessa are as follows;

  • Kohistan Association[27]
  • Educational Environmental Social Sports and Cultural Society[28]
  • National Students Welfare Association NSWA Bhalessa[29]
  • Bhalessa Heritage Centre (Bhalessa Saqafati Markuz)[30]
  • The Helping Hand Trust[31]
  • Shaheen Trust Bhalessa[32]
  • Umar Educational and Welfare Trust Bhalessa[33]
  • Bhalessa United Front BUF[34]
  • JAKESPASES ( Jammu and Kashmir Educational Environmental Social Plantation, Athletic and Recreation Sports Ecological Balance Society[35]
  • Sahayak Humanity Charitable Trust Bhalessa[36]
  • Ghulam Rasool Azad, was an educationist who played a key role in face-lifting the education system of the area. Director of school education in Jammu and Kashmir he has been a pivotal for peace, progress and brotherhood of the state in general and Bhalessa in Particular. The names which need a special mention here who remained associates of Azad are Prof.Umar Din,Nil Kanth Parihar Ab.Aziz Butt Mir Munwer Din, Mohd shafi Mattoo, Munshi Ram Chand Parihar and Habibullah Malik.[37]
  • Professor Umar Din Malik, was the first intellectual from Chenab Valley born in Chilly Pingal. In his last letter during the days of ill fated partition he has exposed the atrocities he met with. The first knowledgeable personality of Chenab Valley was born in Malikpura Bhalessa.[38]
  • Munshi Mohammed Anwer
  • Habibullah Malik
  • Hari Saran Zaildar
  • Abdul Aziz Batt
  • Ram Chand Parihar
  • Ghulam Hussain Bhall
  • Ghulam Rasool Chogani
  • Sh D N Kotwal IAS
  • Choudhary Noor Mohd MLC
  • Sh Ram Lal Rao DEO
  • Abdul Aziz Bhat MLC
  • Roop Chand Chouhan
  • Badri Nath Mangotra
  • Prof Sultan Khan

Living Figures
  • Ghulam Mustafa Azad
  • Mir Munwar Din
  • Iqbal Bhat MLC

In Sports

References
  1. "CensusIndia.Gov.In Data". Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  2. Malik, Sadaket (29 October 2012). "Bhalessa cultural history". Kashmir Media Watch. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  3. "Chenab River | river, Asia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  4. "District Kishtwar, Government of Jammu & Kashmir | Land of Saffron, Sapphire & Shrines | India". Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  5. "A separate tourism development authority for Bhalessa". The Chenab Times. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  6. Compton, Garnett; Wilson, Amy; French, Brian (2017-08-24), "The 2011 Census", The Routledge Handbook of Census Resources, Methods and Applications, Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2017.: Routledge, pp. 33–53, ISBN 978-1-315-56477-7, retrieved 2020-08-08CS1 maint: location (link)
  7. Compton, Garnett; Wilson, Amy; French, Brian (2017-08-24), "The 2011 Census", The Routledge Handbook of Census Resources, Methods and Applications, Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2017.: Routledge, pp. 33–53, ISBN 978-1-315-56477-7, retrieved 2020-08-08CS1 maint: location (link)
  8. "Jai Valley | District Doda | India". Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  9. "Thathri-Kilotran-Soti road". The Daily Excelsior. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  10. "Tehsils in Doda". Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  11. "Tourism infrastructure set to take a leap in Bhalessa". India Education Diary. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  12. "Identify unexplored places of Bhalessa: NGOs". Daily Excelsior. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
  13. "Identify unexplored places of Bhalessa: NGOs". The Daily Excelsior. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  14. "Sub-Division Magistrate (SDM) Inaugurated Medical store at Doda district". The News Now. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  15. "NSWA, BUF demands Hill District Status for Bhalessa".
  16. "Tourism Development Authority".
  17. "Bhalessa Student protests,demands creation of the post of ADC for their area". Scoop News. 7 November 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  18. "Ghulam Nabi Azad retains Bhaderwah seat". Hindustan Times. 28 December 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  19. "Ghulam Nabi Azad Biography – About family, political life, awards won, history".
  20. "Ghulam Nabi Azad named Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  21. "Mohammed Sharief Niaz Man awakened Bhalessa". Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  22. Malik, Sadaket (29 October 2012). "Bhalessa cultural history". Kashmir Media Watch. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  23. "Government Degree College Khilotran Gandoh Bhalessa". Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  24. "Directorate of Skills Development, Jammu and Kashmir". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  25. Sadaket Malik "Madrasah movement in Bhalessa Hamlet". www.jammu-kashmir.com. 4 January 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  26. "COVID-19: Madrasa management offers hostel building for quarantine facility in J&K's Doda". New Indian Express. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  27. Malik, Sadaket "Bhalessa-A review on Education". January 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  28. "District volleyball championship concludes". Early Times. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  29. "NATIONAL STUDENTS WELFARE ASSOCIATION". Indian NGOs. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  30. "Bhalessa residents demand restoration of power supply". Early Times. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  31. "Partnership/Support in Jammu and Kashmir". Karwan e Mohabbat. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  32. "SHAHEEN Trust honour labourers". JK Monitor. 2 May 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  33. "Distribution of ration, essential items continues". The Daily Excelsior. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  34. "Bhalessa residents protest for detachment from Bhaderwah". The Daily Excelsior. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  35. "Bhalessa fire victims, "what they loss and what they gain",". The News Now. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  36. "SHCT hands over Golden Card to critically ill patient". Universal News Timeline. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  37. "History of Bhalessa By Sadaket Malik". The Chenab Times. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  38. "1947: The Last letter". Kashmir Life. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  39. "Mithun Manhas appointed Chief coach of Delhi". The Greater Kashmir. September 5, 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  40. "Asian Games medallist Chain Singh from J&K felicitated". The Times of India. 17 Oct 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
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