Reflections on a Journey from Srinagar to Shahdra Sharif , Pir Ki Gali
S G M Andrabi
This is not about Paradise Lost, the famous work by John Milton, but about the paradise of Jammu and Kashmir. I wish to share my experience from a journey undertaken on 24 June 2026 from Srinagar to Shahdra Sharif, the revered shrine of Hazrat Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah.
The Mughal Road, though still not in ideal condition, has significantly reduced the distance between Poonch, Rajouri, and Kashmir. It has facilitated social interaction, trade, healthcare access, and strengthened people-to-people relations. While the road remains under development and is not yet comparable to many national highways, it was declared National Highway No. 444 some time ago, and its maintenance has reportedly been entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation.
Since the region lies at a high altitude and is vulnerable to landslides, avalanches, heavy snowfall, and other natural calamities, it naturally requires greater maintenance than roads located in the plains.
One important observation during the journey related to the forests along the route. Across these forest areas, a considerable quantity of usable timber lies scattered, having fallen naturally due to snow, glacial movement, or landslides. This timber could be extracted and put to productive use instead of being left to decay.
There is substantial scope for utilizing this timber, particularly by making it available to nearby local communities, thereby reducing transportation and associated costs. Similar conditions exist in many forests across Jammu and Kashmir. It appears insufficient attention is being paid to the extraction and utilization of such fallen timber, which could otherwise generate significant revenue for both the department and the government.
The revered shrine of Hazrat Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah at Shahdra Sharif continues to witness steady development. The road from Thanamandi to the Ziyarat Sharif was electrified years ago, with neon lights and LT lines installed along the six-kilometre stretch. However, most of these lights have now become non-functional.
The existing steel poles can still be effectively utilized by installing solar lighting systems. Such a move would reduce power consumption while also lowering maintenance costs.
Within the shrine complex, considerable development has taken place. The Jama Masjid is undergoing renovation, the shrine itself is being restored, dormitories are being reconstructed, and new guest houses have been added. Roads within the complex have also been laid, though they require further improvement to ensure safety and convenience.
The water supply system also needs strengthening, and additional public toilets and bathrooms should be constructed considering the large number of devotees visiting the shrine. Even on ordinary days, nearly 5,000 to 10,000 pilgrims visit the shrine, apart from Thursdays, Fridays, and special occasions.
The shrine has become a major centre of pilgrimage and social activity for the districts of Rajouri and Poonch, and indeed for the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Another issue requiring serious attention is cleanliness and hygiene. Although the management appears to be making sincere efforts, many visitors fail to maintain cleanliness within the premises. Effective measures are needed to ensure pilgrimage centres and tourist destinations remain free from litter and pollution caused by polythene and disposable materials.
Just as the government has launched campaigns against drug abuse, a similar movement is needed to combat plastic waste and littering. Tourist spots, shrines, mosques, markets, parks, and public spaces are increasingly being polluted by disposable waste.
“While a proposed tunnel will enhance future connectivity, it is vital to maintain and open the existing surface roads from Poonch and Shopian to preserve Pir Ki Gali as a thriving tourist spot. Protecting and developing Jammu and Kashmir’s beauty is a shared responsibility of the government, citizens, and visitors.”
Strict enforcement is necessary. Those who litter public places should be penalized to encourage civic discipline. Otherwise, many of our beautiful tourist and pilgrimage destinations may eventually be buried under heaps of plastic waste. Urban facilities around Shahdra Sharif also require proper planning and development.
Another issue demanding urgent attention is the pathetic condition of Pir Ki Gali. Thousands of visitors from Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, and Kashmir visit this place for recreation and picnics. However, I could not find even a single toilet, bathroom, or washroom facility there.
Instead, one encounters heaps of disposable waste and polythene. Situated at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet, Pir Ki Gali possesses immense tourism potential, with vast green meadows and breathtaking natural beauty.
At Pir Ki Gali, I came across a plaque commemorating the inauguration of an Eco Park by the then Forest Minister and present Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf Ahmad. Unfortunately, the plaque appears to be the only evidence of that project. No Eco Park, no visible ecosystem restoration, and no meaningful development exist there. Instead, one finds filth, plastic waste, and neglect.
It is difficult to understand why, despite repeated visits by officials and recurring public concerns, this situation persists. It appears that tourism authorities have neither seriously assessed the area’s potential nor undertaken a comprehensive development plan.
The condition of Pir Ki Gali is especially disappointing because the place has enormous potential to generate employment and economic activity. Small temporary stalls and huts already provide livelihoods to locals through food and basic services, but the area remains largely neglected.
The Mughal Road project was initiated under the vision of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Unfortunately, successive governments have not fully realized his vision for the development of this region. With proper planning, the area could create employment opportunities, improve tourism infrastructure, and generate substantial economic growth.
I sincerely appeal to the government and all concerned authorities to pay immediate attention to the development of Pir Ki Gali and provide basic facilities for visitors.
During local inquiries, I was informed that a visitor from Punjab had reportedly donated one lakh rupees for the construction of bathroom facilities. However, local residents expressed ignorance regarding the utilization of these funds.
Pir Ki Gali is a remarkable destination and, if properly developed, can generate hope, employment, and economic opportunities for the youth of Shopian, Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu and Kashmir as a whole.
With the proposed tunnel expected to improve connectivity in the future, it is equally important that Pir Ki Gali continues to be maintained and developed as a tourist destination. The existing surface roads from both the Poonch and Shopian sides should remain open and properly maintained so that this unique destination can continue to flourish. The paradise of Jammu and Kashmir deserves preservation, development, and protection. This responsibility lies not only with the government but also with every citizen and visitor who benefits from its beauty.
(The author is a retired officer of Jammu & Kashmir Police Services. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
