TIMELESS TREASURE
In the farthest reaches of Kashmir, where the Himalayas stretch towards the sky, lies the pristine God’s own country—Gurez Valley, the worth protecting hidden gem, nestled in the lap of nature, is a testament to the untouched beauty of the region.
With its lush green meadows, sparkling streams, breathtaking beauty, meandering Kishanganaga River, lush landscape, craggy mountains filled with firs on serpentine sloops and tranquil ambiance, this off-beat tourist destination which is a haven for the soul has been witnessing a huge tourist influx from past couple of years. The bending valley about which Sir Walter Lawrence long back had predicted that it will be the most popular tourist destination, is now vomiting a grim story of deterioration that all of us must pay heed to.
The valley’s serenity, its peaceful ambiance, and its breathtaking vistas make it a paradise on earth. But, like all precious things, this valley is fragile, and vulnerable to the ravages of human neglect and indifference. The threat of pollution looms large, a specter that haunts the valley’s pristine landscape. The Valley’s beauty is not just a gift, but a responsibility. We must cherish it, protect it, and preserve it for future generations.
Besides being a symbol of resilience, beauty and brotherhood; this offbeat tourist spot nested in Himalayas was an untouched pristine beauty, harmonizing in nature’s symphony. But now as visitors we spend a day or two here and leave it littered and polluted. We enter the valley with an intention that we will get rejuvenated and relaxed but we never handle with care the fragile beauty of the place. Instead of becoming filthy during our stay here, we need to cherish this treasure with its serenity and breathtaking vistas that evoke the soul’s deepest connection with the natural world—a true paradise on earth.
What struck my mind while ambling at Wampura—a famous camping site on way to Tulail at gurgling Kishanganaga banks, were heaps of trash that finally gets dumped in the crystal clear water of the river. Comparing my current visit with my previous one, I concluded that unlike erstwhile Gurez of 2001, the present-day Gurez was telling a tale of deterioration. There are apprehensions that in coming time this offbeat delicate tourist destination will be like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, narrating the story of pollution from all sides.
Let us not forget the lessons of the past, when human greed and apathy ravaged the natural beauty of our world, and do not repeat the mistakes that have left scars on our planet. The valley’s crystal-clear waters, its fresh mountain air, and its vibrant flora and fauna are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Let us not sully them with our thoughtless actions.
As we stand at the threshold of this natural paradise, let us remember the words of the great poet, “The earth has music for those who listen.” Listen to the music of Gurez Valley, and hear its whispers, and let us act to protect it. For, if we fail, the consequences will be catastrophic. The valley’s beauty will be lost forever, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.
The thought of Gurez Valley, polluted and grubby, is a nightmare that we must not allow to become a reality. Let us join hands, let us raise our voices, and let us act to save this worth preserving natural wonder ahead of much anticipated ‘Go Gurez’ festival. Let us preserve the valley’s fragile beauty, and protect its delicate ecosystem, and pass it on to future generations in all its glory.
For, in the end, it is not just about Gurez Valley, but about our own humanity. Do we have the wisdom, the courage, and the compassion to save this pristine natural paradise? Let us hope that we do, lest Gurez goes grubby and becomes a memory, a fleeting glimpse of a beauty that we failed to protect.
(Author is a regular columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])
