Pulwama, March 10: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday disclosed that the demand for constructing a road connecting Anderwali with Shidak in the Sangerwani area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district is currently under examination.
The revelation came in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Rajpora, Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Mir, in the Legislative Assembly. The MLA asked whether it is a fact that there has been a long-pending demand from the public of Sangerwani for the construction of a road from Anderwali to Shidak Shrine in Pulwama district and whether Shidak Ziyarat Shareef could be developed as a pilgrimage tourist destination if the road is constructed. He further inquired about the steps taken or planned for its construction during the current financial year.
In response, the Minister In-Charge of the Public Works (R&B) Department informed the Assembly that no such demand had been received from the public of Sangerwani for the construction of a road from Anderwali to Shidak Shrine.
“However, this demand has recently been raised by the MLA,” the minister stated, adding that the Shrine of Sayyid Janbaaz Balki, located at Shidak Sangerwani in Pulwama district, is a revered spiritual site.
The minister further informed that the shrine is approximately 8-9 kilometers from Anderwali Sangerwani and holds religious and historical significance for the local community. Additionally, Shidak is a high-altitude meadow renowned for its lush green pastures, vast meadows, and breathtaking landscapes.
However, the minister noted that the proposed road to Shidak Ziyarat Shareef passes through a forested area, requiring forest clearance in accordance with regulatory guidelines. “The demand is being examined,” he added.
Shidak is a tranquil location nestled in the lap of the Pir Panjal mountains, situated at an elevation of approximately 13,500 feet above sea level between Dubjan and Yusmarg. Surrounded by lush green pastures and towering pine trees, Shidak offers a pristine retreat for nature lovers and trekkers.
One of its most significant attractions is the shrine of Sufi Saint Janbaaz Wali Baghdadi, a revered figure whose legacy draws devotees to this remote and spiritual destination.
Shidak is located approximately 35 kilometers from Pulwama’s district headquarters. Currently, the area lacks a motorable road beyond Kandpathri, a locality in Sangerwani village. Reaching Shidak on foot is a challenging task for villagers and pilgrims, which has fueled the demand for a motorable road to improve accessibility.
