Chapter–I

STUDY AREA

11

1 Introduction:

Srinagar city is the summer capital of the state of J&K. It is located in the valley of

Kashmir and is the northern most state of India. The State occupies a strategic

location on the country‟s map with its border touching Pakistan, Tibet and China.

The State has three distinct regions comprising Kashmir Valley, Jammu division and

Ladakh. Each region has a specific resource base. Except for Jammu and Kathua

districts the entire State is a mountainous and the plateau of Ladakh, flanking the

State on east is separated from rest of the State by high mountain ranges. The land of

the State is fertile and water resources are also abundant.

Srinagar city has grown over the past about 1100 years at an average

elevation of about 1583 m above M.S.L on the banks of river Jhelum of Kashmir

Valley. It is one of the beautiful cities in the world having numerous lakes,

mountains, waterways and monumental architecture. Srinagar has been the capital of

Kashmir for thousands of years and an important commercial town. It has also acted

as a battle ground of great civilizations during all three major periods of history

namely Buddhists, Hindu and Muslim.

1.1 Location of Srinagar City:

1.1.1 Physical Profile of Srinagar City

Srinagar city lies between 33°59′14″ N to 34°12′37″ N latitude and 74°41′06″ E to

74°57′27″E longitude. It is spread over 234.46 Sq. Km (Municipal limit) area. It

extends from Alestang in the north to Humhama in the south and Laway pora in the

west to Khanmou in the southeast. The city is located on both sides of the river

Jhelum (a tributary of river Indus) locally called Vyeth in Kashmir (Figure 1.1). City

about midway from either end of the valley, to the west of a spur which protrudes

down from the chain of mountains forms its northern boundary.

(a) Physiography

The physiographic setting of Srinagar city is characterized with low lying

agricultural fields in the flood plain of river Jhelum in south and west. It has steep

hills in the east and north east and the famous Karewas hills (locally called as

Wudars) in far southeast (Figure 1.2). Karewas are flat and fertile agricultural

12

#

INDIA

Figure 1.1: LOCATION MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY (SOURCE: CENSUS 2001; IRS-ID LISS III+PAN 2008)

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

SRINAGAR CITY

33°59′14″ 33°59′14″

34°12′37″ 34°12′37″

74°41′06″

74°41′06″

74°57′27″

74°57′27″

13

10 0 10 KILOMETERS

Figure 1.2: PHYSIOGRAPHIC MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY AND ITS SURROUNDING

870-1087 m

1305-1521 m

1088-1304 m

1522-1739 m 1740-1956 m

1957-2174 m

2175-2391 m

2392-2608 m

2609-2826 m

2827-3043 m

3044-3261 m

3262-3478 m 3479-3695 m 3696-3913 m

SRINAGAR MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

Figure 1.2: PHYSIOGRAPHIC MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY AND ITS SURROUNDING (Source: Generated from

digitized contours of SOI toposheet, 1981)

14

mounds on the border of the Jhelum flood plain. These mounds flank the

surrounding mountain precipice and are reminiscent of an earlier phase of intensive

deposition. Their initial platforms have since been eroded and dissected into isolated

uplands. They are believed to have been formed during the Miocene Orogeny (Pal

and Srivastava, 1982) when this entire area was highly flooded with numerous

anticlines and synclines. These lands are roughly over on area of 13 to 26 km in

length, thus covering more than half the total area of the valley floor. The soils

found here are best suited for the cultivation of saffron where best quality saffron is

grown.

Northern area of the study area is characterized with small hills. Similarly, in

the east lies, Basiwan, Zabarwan and Dachigam hills along with the famous Dal

Lake on the foot hills. Koh-i-Maran Hill (1700m) in the North and Koh-i-Sulaiman

Hill (1820) to the South of Dal Lake in the core area are two prominent

physiographic features, found in Srinagar city. These are roughly two miles apart

from each other (Bates, 1980). Koh-i-Sulaiman Hill forms the end of a spur from the

Zabarwan hill, but is separated from the main range by a depression. It is also known

by the name Shankara Char, or Shankaratsari.

(b) Geology

Srinagar city lies in the midst of the rock depression of valley of Kashmir, about 35

Km in breadth and 160 Km in length. Srinagar city is reportedly at the base of a

dormant volcanic hillrock of Koh-i-Sulaiman. This volcanic hill was formed during

the carboniferous and Permian times when the glaciers were crawling in some parts

of North Kashmir (Chadda, 1991). Geology reveals the developments of the

stratified records of all ages from Achaean and Pre-Cambrian onwards to Tertiary

and Recent times (Figure1. 3). Geologists believe that Srinagar city was under the

vast sea, namely Tethys sea locally called „Satisar Lake‟, in the post Tertiary period

(225 million years ago). At the time of uplifting of the sediments from that sea, a

huge amount of crystalline bluish limestone came up, which are found today on the

outskirts of the city at number of places like, Zewan, Khrew, Khanmou etc., in the

south east. Numerous fossils e.g., Gastropods, Corals, and Polyzoans etc, are found

which act as the complete evidence of Kashmir once being under the sea (Rashid,

2004).

15

GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS

Alluvium Muree Karewas Triassia Limestone Panjal Traps

Permo-Carboniferous Cambro- Silurian Salkhalas

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY

5 5 0 10

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF KASHMIR VALLEY

Figure 1.3: GEOLOGICAL MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY

Figure 1.3: GEOLOGICAL MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY (SOURCE: Rasa, M. 1978)

16

The present water bodies i.e., Dal, Nigeen, Manasbal and other wet lands are

believed to be remnant of the „Satisar Lake‟. These water bodies have been

segmented by the process of siltation and escaping of water. There are evidences of

lacustrine and beds of lignite containing water chestnut in the Karewas in a stratified

layer pattern. Moreover, one of the excavation sites in Srinagar is found on the west

of Burzahom village known as ‘Burzahom excavations’ at the base of Mahadev hill

in the north east. Excavations are being carried out since long and the remnants of

various ages are excavated thereby explaining the ancient history. Geological history

of the Srinagar also indicates the uplifting of the mountain ranges, of which

Zabarwan mountain is a part, which acts as the major physical threshold for the

expansion of the city in the east. It is characterized by abrupt changes in gradient,

accompanied with fractal spurs which proves the recent mountain building process

(Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

(c) Climate

Srinagar city has a sub-Mediterranean type of climate with warm summers from

June to August and cold winters from December to February. The average

temperature of the warmest month is 30°C in July whereas it is 3.5°C in the coldest

month i.e., in January (State Meteorological Department, 1999). Winter is very cold

and from last week of December to first week of March the temperature is often sub

zero. During these months strong winds bring thick black clouds, snow and rain

from the Mediterranean depressions. These come over from Iran and Afghanistan. It

is followed by spring that begins mid March when rain falls heavily. Most of the

times these rains cause landslides in hilly areas, but for sowing of crops this rain is

useful. The average annual rainfall is around 660 mm per annum and significant

amount of precipitation occurs in the form of snow. The city generally gets snowfall

from December to February but it seldom accumulates for longer periods. Relative

humidity is maximum in the month of January i.e., 85% and it is minimum in the

month of June, about 57%.

Almost 70% of the rainfall takes place in the month of July and August. The

entire valley is covered with a haze that hides the surrounding mountains from view.

Longest sunshine hours are in the month of September, October and November

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(Raina, 2002). Common local practice in Kashmir is to recognize the six seasons

(Husain, 2000), which are:

a) Sonth (spring season) - March 15 to May 15.

b) Grishm (summer season) - May 15 to July 15.

c) Waharat (Rainy Season) - July 15 to Sept. 15.

d) Harud (autumn) - Sept.15 to Nov. 15.

e) Wand (winter) - Nov.15 to Jan 15.

f) Sheshur (Ice Cold) - Jan. 15 to March 15.

(d) Drainage

Srinagar city is drained by river Jhelum and its canals (locally called Khuls) (Figure

1.4). It is the main river of Srinagar city acting as the life line. It rises from a spring

called Verinag in southeast of the Valley, situated at the foot of a spur of the Pir

Panjal range. It flows to a distance of 25.6 Km to Khanabal (town in south Kashmir)

like a rivulet (locally called Nallah). From there, number of tributaries join it and

make it navigable from Khanabal to Wular Lake (Asia‟s largest fresh water lake in

the northwest of Kashmir Valley). Its total length in the valley is 177 Km. It flows in

loops through the valley till it enters the Wular Lake during which it drains the

Srinagar city. Then it flows out from the other side of the lake towards Baramulla in

the west and finally enters Pakistan (Raina, 2002). The river makes one long bend

through Srinagar city and in its passage has been narrowed to a width of not more

than 80 yards. Its depth is varying, but the average depth during the season of floods

is about 18 feet (Bates, 1980). The canals joining Jhelum during its course in the city

are:

(i) Kuth-i-kol: It joins the river on the left bank below the walls of the Shergarhi

in the core area of the city, and flows in the north-west direction towards

Tanki Bridge.

(ii) Tsont-i-kol: This canal leaves the right bank of the Jhelum opposite of

Shergarhi. At its lower end it is about 30 yards wide and varies in depth

from 3-15 feet, according to the height of the river. The length of this canal

from Jhelum to the Drogjan or Dal gate at the entrance of the Dal Lake is

about 1.5 miles.

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DRAINAGE MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY

Figure 1.4: DRAINAGE MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY

DRAINAGR BASINS

1- SANDRAN RIVER

2- BRING RIVER

3- ARAPAT KOL RIVER

4- LIDDAR RIVER

5- ARAPAL RIVER

6- HARWAN RIVER

7- SIND RIVER

8- ERIN RIVER

9- MADMATI RIVER

10- POHRU RIVER

11- VIJI-DAKIL RIVER

12- VISHAV RIVER

13- RAMBIARA RIVER

14- ROMOSHI RIVER

15- DUDHGANGA RIVER

16- SUKHNAG RIVER

17- NINGAL RIVER

BOUNDARY OF KASHMIR VALLEY ---- DRAINAGE BASINS (Figure indicate drainage density per sq km. Basin wise)

DRAINAGE BASINS OF KASHMIR VALLEY

5 5 0 10

River Jhelum

Figure 1.4: DRAINAGE MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY (SOURCE: Rasa, M. 1978)

Km

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The drainage water of the city including waste water is carried away by

different canals/khuls which are connected with the Jhelum, Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake,

Brari Nambal and Khushalsar.

(e) Soils

The soils of Srinagar city are fertile and rich in organic matter and other plant

nutrients. These are also rich in calcium and magnesium. Their texture is variably

from clayey-loam to loams. The important Karewa soil composed of silt is also

found here, which is economically important. This soil support Saffron, Almond,

Walnut, Apple and Peach cultivation. Generally four types of soils are found in

Srinagar:

(i) Clayey Soil (Gurti): This soil is found in the flood plains of Jhelum in the

southern parts of Srinagar city and is subjected to annual fresh silt deposition. Gurti

soil contains a large proportion of clay. Its water retaining capacity is high. At the

time of scanty rainfall, it is considered to be good for cultivation of rice. But if rains

are heavy, this soil gets compacted and achieves the shape of hard cakes, where

ploughing becomes difficult labourious task.

(ii) Loamy Soil (Bahil): This soil is found above the level of flood plain, on the

right bank of Jhelum, is highly fertile and suitable for paddy cultivation. The humus

content is high which enriches the soil fertility. It does not require heavy manuring

but if over manured, the soil becomes too strong, in which the rice crop shows more

vegetative growth.

(iii) Sandy Loam (Sekil): It has usually been found to the Sind valley in the north

west of the city. In the Sekil soil, if field is artificially irrigated, good crops of rice

are harvested in summer season.

(iv) Sandy Silt (Dazanlad): This soil is the mixture of sand and clay. A peculiar

characteristic of Dazanlad is that the field turns red in colour when irrigation water

stands in the fields. This soil can result good productivity if controlled irrigation and

High Yielding Variety seeds are applied. This soil is generally found in the low

lying areas in the west of the city and also occurs at the hilly areas also in the north

(Husain, 2000). The other types of soil found are:

Vegetable soil Surh Zamin.

Tract of land served by a natural spring. Lemb.

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Floating garden soil Radh.

Excessively irrigated land having lost fertility Zabal Zamin.

(f) Flora

Srinagar is gifted with rich floral diversity. This is because of its rich diversity in its

topography, altitude and climate. The present flora of Kashmir is Holarctic (habitats

found throughout the northern continents of the world as a whole), being a mixture

of floristic elements from many adjacent regions. Here cultivated plants along with

aquatic formations are found. There are about 279 species, belonging to 205 genera

and 65 families of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms in Srinagar city and its

surroundings.

Srinagar has Himalayan dry temperate forest with main broad leaved species

for example, Chinar (Platenous orientalis); Silver oak (Grevellia robusta), Poplar

(Poplus), found along the road and river‟s sides and along the agricultural fields.

Willow (Salix) raised along the banks of Jhelum and wetland fringes; Kikar

(Robenia pseudoacacia), Bren (Ulmus wallichiana) raised on the waste lands; Tang

(Pyrus communis), Tsunun (Prunus persica), Dun (Juglans regia), Badam (Prunus

amygadelus) in orchards, Bremij (Celtis australis): naturally grown in the grave

yards. Trees found around the hills surrounding the city are; Kail (Pinus Excelsa);

Kavur (Pinus wallichiana). At the higher altitudes mostly Deodar (Cedrus deodara)

and Fir (Abes pindrow) are found. Moon flower (Datura anoxia), Worm wood

(Artemisia), Burn weed (Uretica dioca) etc., are the other commonly found shrubs in

the city.

Schrenk and Mey (Ephedra intermedia) with its red fruits, is observed in the

parts of Koh-i-Sulaiman hill (Dutt et al. 1963). The aquatic flora of the lakes and the

wet-lands of the city includes; Nymphoides, Phragmites, Scripus, Spraganium,

Nelumbium, Typha etc.

(g) Fauna

Srinagar city is located adjacent to the forest area which is home to various species

of birds and animals. There are over 150 species of birds and twenty mammal

species which include Hangul, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear,

Langur, Himalayan marmot, leopard etc. Hangul in Dachigam National Park is the

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only red deer found in India. Mahadev peak in the east is gifted with musk deer,

pheasants, monkeys etc.

The principal species are Monal, Koklas, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture,

Golden Eagle, Grey Heron, Starling, Golden Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, Western

Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Black Bulbul etc., (District

Profile, 2009). Large number of migratory birds visit the lakes, wetlands and

marshes within the city and its surroundings e.g., Indian large Cormorant, Mong

(Phalacoccrax cabro), Dabchick, Pind (Podiceps ruficollis), Indian Cattle Egret

(Bubuiucus ibis), Indian Pond Heron (Boroku Andea grayii), Mallard, Niluj/Thuj

(Anas paltyrhynchos), Pintail (Gallinago Stenura), Sukh Pachan (Anas acuta),

Garganey, Nour (Anas querquedula) etc.

Physiography and the geology are the characteristic features which have

paved the way to the growth and the development of Srinagar city. City which is

pegged by the mountains all around has been a large lake and due to some

geological changes an outlet caused the lake to dry up. Due to large scale

fossilization and decaying sea creatures inside the lake, the soil of this part of the

Indian Subcontinent is very fertile and fairly suitable for agricultural purposes. The

main subtypes of the soils are clay, loam and sandy etc., which support paddy and

other crops in the valley. The Karewa soil found here is suited for the cultivation of

best quality saffron.

Though the topography is undulating, hindering the developmental and

planned expansion of the city peripheries but as an example itself the mountains are

the important source of income of many people in the form of rock quarrying in the

southeast of the city. These resources are utilized for the developmental works in the

city through the construction of roads, buildings and houses; besides providing raw

materials to the cement industry in the state. It is because of this rich geological

structure that the city is not short of building materials.

Another important feature is the flood plains and the river Jhelum which

have remained a major attraction of transport and trade throughout the centuries. The

river has witnessed a significant source of income from transportation of goods

along the river. The course of the river Jhelum has almost divided the Srinagar city

into almost two equal parts which are connected by nine bridges along the course.

Trade along the river banks is also seen in the form of shops of all goods and

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services along the river course, for example the vegetable sellers, Jewelers, cloth

merchants etc.

Similarly, climate of the valley has favoured crops on the plains and plateaus

e.g., the best export quality Apples are grown here. Communities associated with

this trade have brought lot of profit to the state exchequer till date.

1.2 History and Development of Srinagar City:

1.2.1 Historical Background

According to historical records, the word Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit

words, namely, „Sri’ meaning abundance and wealth and „Nagar’ meaning city. This

city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago. It came into

existence at Purana Disthana, presently known as Panderthan. From the year 960 CE

the site of the capital was marked as the present town of Srinagar. At that time it was

a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian Subcontinent.

The Hindu and Buddhist‟s rule over Srinagar lasted until 14th

century and thereafter

Kashmir valley came under the control of several Muslim rulers, including the

Mughals. Akbar established Mughal rule in Srinagar in the year 1586 when Yousuf

Shah Chak his contemporary deceived him, as he failed to conquer Kashmir by

force. Later Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades. In the year 1814 a

major part of the Kashmir Valley was conquered by Raja Ranjit Singh, and it was

annexed to his kingdom. After this, the city came under the influence of the Sikhs.

In 1846, the treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikh rulers and the British in

Lahore. The treaty provided British de-facto rule over the Kashmir Valley and

installed Ghulab Singh as an independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Till

1947, Srinagar remained the part of Ghulab Singh‟s kingdom as one of the several

princely states of individual India. After independence, Srinagar city remained

within the Indian Union with some limitations after but obtaining special status of

accession as recognized in Article 370 of Indian Constitution (Srinagar Municipal

Corporation, 2009).

Rule by different sects of people made heterogeneous culture of the city.

These different cultures made the physical look of the city mixed with different

groups shaping the city differently. The infrastructure or the constructional part was

mostly dominated by Muslims. For example, at present there are number of

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locations which mark the Mughal architecture. The city is densely populated by the

Shrines of different saints designed in antique architectural patterns.

1.2.2 Origin and Growth of the City

The origin of city dates back to the Neolithic period as deduced from the evidences

excavated at Burzahom and Harwan sites situated in the northeast of the city. The

genesis of Srinagar city has rich historical identification. It has evolved and grown to

its present structure after being considerably shaped by political and urban forces

operating from ancient to the present period. The city has grown as a combination of

number of ancient sites which had served as capital cities from time to time for

various rulers. Though the city has served as the capital of Kashmir throughout the

ages but it could not experience any significant growth during the ancient and

medieval period mainly because of the political instability, internal conflicts

between rulers and frequent changes in capital sites.

Mughals in the 15th

and 16th

century built several parks & gardens like

Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, etc, which enhanced the economic growth and

development of the city. The Dogra rule in Kashmir during C.E 1900 marked the

real beginning of the growth and development in the city by establishing housing

colonies in Wazir Bagh, Ram Munshi Bagh and Karan Nagar. They also established

Amar Singh Degree College, Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital, State

library, Silk and Woolen mill etc., in the core area of the city. Dogra rule also

established Srinagar Municipality, which was established under Municipal Act 1886.

Various amenities and facilities like potable water supply, laying down of mettled

roads, 196 km long Jhelum Valley cart road connecting Srinagar with rail head at

Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan) etc, further put forward the process of development in

Srinagar city (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

After Independence under different Five year plans ensured significant

growth and development; Srinagar became the summer capital of the state of Jammu

and Kashmir. This status to the city changed the form, morphology and structure of

the city. Educational, commercial and medical facilities came into existence in and

around the core area of the city. Planned residential colonies like Jawahar Nagar,

Gogji Bagh, Batamaloo, Nursing Ghar and construction of By-Pass road and

construction of satellite townships at Zakura in the north in suburbs of the city etc,

24

came into existence. Industrial development took place in the form of establishment

of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) factory at Zainakot in the northwest and State

Industrial Complex at Zewan and Khanmou in southeast of the city. Tourism

industry brought cultural and economic status to the city (Srinagar Municipal

Corporation, 2009).

There was a harmonious relationship between the population and the

available resources till the year 1961, but, thereafter an abrupt rise in the population

took place. From 1961 to 1971 population got almost doubled from 0.286 million to

0.415 million respectively. This rise is attributed firstly to the increasing number of

migrant population from the neighbouring rural districts and also because of the

natural increase in population. This period is marked as the beginning of

urbanization process in Srinagar city.

Many a time, since 1886, limits of the Municipality were extended when

number of villages were added to it. In the year 1971 Srinagar city‟s municipal

limits comprised of 103 Sq. km. In the year 1971 the department of Town Planning

carried out the Master Plan of the city with the proposals for the period of 1971-

1991.

In the year 1981 the area under Municipal limits increased to 140 Sq. Km.

In the year 2000, Municipality consisted of 17 wards with 592 Mohallas/localities

covering an area of about 177 Sq. Km. In the same year further 126 villages were

added to the city which increased the total area to 234.46 Sq. Km consisting of total

68 electoral wards for purpose of Master Plan and Planned development of the city

for the next 21 years (2000-2021) (Srinagar Development Authority, 2000). In the

year 2000, Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) took further steps in the

preparation of the Second Master Plan with the help of satellite data for the period of

year 2000-2021. The slow implementation of the proposals by the agencies made the

proposals inefficient. This resulted into poor living conditions and has made a

challenging task for the city planners to ensure a reasonable quality of life and

environment to the inhabitants (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

In spite of the physiographic limitations, the increasing population has led

to the expansion of the city in unplanned manner resulting haphazard development

of residential areas, congestion, irregular narrow lanes, problems of drainage and

streets littered with filth and dirt. River Jhelum the main source of water and

25

communication channel is polluted due to sewage from houses draining directly into

it. This resulted as a threat to the public health creating unhygienic conditions. The

inefficiency of the government agencies have paved way for developers and

property dealers who have created land banks leading to increase in land and

property prices.

1.2.3 Administrative Development

During the time of Pathans in mid 19th

century, Srinagar city was divided into 16

Zillah or Parishes, each being under the care and management of a kotwal and other

officials. In the late 19th

century, these were reduced to 12 (Bates, 1980), each Zillah

was again sub-divided into a number of Mohallas/locality. To each Zillah there was

a Zilladhar and a Kotwal or police officer and similarly, the affairs of each Mohalla

were administered through a Mahalladar. All those Zillahs along with their number

of Mohallas are given below:

1. Drogjan included 23 Mohallas, and comprised the area to the west of the Koh-i-

Sulaiman and south of Tsont-i-kol canal.

2. Ahlehmur included 8 Mohallas on the right bank of the River Jhelum & north of

Tsont-i-kol canal.

3. Kaniyar included 15 Mohallas, in north-east of Brari Nambal, and the Mar canal.

4. Rainewor included 15 Mohallas located in the west of the Dal lake and south-

east of the Koh-i-Maran hill.

5. Nawetter included 21 Mohallas between the Mar canal and the Koh-i-Maran hill.

6. Sangin Darwaza included 13 Mohallas in the north and northwest of Koh-i-

Maran hill.

7. Zaina Kadal included 14 Mohallas located to the north of present Lal Chowk

(CBD), on both sides of River Jhelum.

8. Buldimur included 27 Mohallas on the left bank of the River Jhelum, at the

southwest end of the city.

9. Chutsabul included 10 Mohallas on the left bank of the Jhelum, in the southwest

end of the city.

10. Tashwun included 9 Mohallas on the left bank of the Jhelum.

11. Nursingud included 5 Mohallas by the Kuth-i-kol canal, north of Shergarhi.

12. Sher Gud included 4 Mohallas in the vicinity of the palace.

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Table 1.1: Existing Municipal Wards of Srinagar City.

Division Administrative Zone Administrative Ward Electoral Ward

No

Electoral Ward Name

Right

River

Division

East (Zone)

1 1

2

Harwan

Nishat

2 3

4

Dalgate

Lal Chowk

3 58

59

Bud Dal

Lokut Dal

4 40

41

Jogi Lankar

Zindshah Sahib

5 30

32

Ganpatyar

Barbar Shah

6 31

33

34

Bana Mohalla

Chinkral Mohalla

S.R. Gunj

7 35

36

Aqil Mir Khanyar

Khuja Bazar

North (Zone)

8 42

44

Hassnabad

Makhdoom Sahib

9 39

43

45

Tarabal

Jama Masjid

Kawdara

10 46

47

Zadibal

Maiden Sahib

11 50

51

Lal Bazar

Omer Colony

12 56

57

Hazratbal

Tailbal

13 60

61

New Theed

Alestang

14 55 Zakura

15 54 Ahmad Nagar

16 52

53

Soura

Buchpora

17 48

49

Nowshera

Zoonimar

West (Zone)

South (Zone)

18 37

38

Safakadal`

Eidgah

19 62 Palpora

20 27

29

Nawab Bazar

Ali Kadal

21 26

28

Syed Ali Akbar

Islam Yarbal

Left River

Division

22 23

24

Shaheed Gung

Karan Nagar

23 18

25

Qamerwari

Chattabal

24 21

22

Bemina East

Bemina West

25 19

20

Parimpora

Zainakot

26 63

64

Malura

Laway pora

27 65 Bemina Khumani Chowk

28 13

14

17

S.D. Colony

Batamaloo

Nundreshi Colony

29 15

16

Aalochi Bagh

Magarmal Bagh

30 5

6

7

Rajbagh

Jawahar Nagar

Wazirbagh

31 8

9

10

Mehjoor Nagar

Natipora

Chanapora

32 11

12

Baghat Barzulla

Rawalpora

33 66 Humhama

34 67

69

Pantha Chowk

Khanmou

Source: Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009.

27

Figure 1.5: MUNICIPAL WARD MAP OF SRINAGAR CITY (Source: Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2008)

A.W E. W Electoral Ward Name A.W

E. W Electoral

Ward Name

1 1 2

Harwan Nishat

24 21 22

Bemina East Bemina West

2 3 4

Dalgate Lal Chowk

25 19 20

Parimpora Zainakot

3 58 59

Bud Dal Lokut Dal

26 63 64

Malura Laway pora

4 40 41

Jogi Lankar Zindshah Sahib

27 65 Bemina Khumani Chowk

5 30 32

Ganpatyar Barbar Shah

28 13 14 17

S.D. Colony Batamaloo Nundreshi Co

6 31 33 34

Bana M Chinkral M S.R. Gunj

29 15 16

Aalochi Bagh Magarmal Bagh

7 35 36

Aqil Mir Khanyar Khuja Bazar

30 5 6 7

Rajbagh Jawahar Nagar Wazirbagh

8 42 44

Hassnabad Makhdoom Sahib

31 8 9 10

Mehjoor Nagar Natipora Chanapora

9 39 43 45

Tarabal Jama Masjid Kawdara

32 11 12

Baghat Barzulla Rawalpora

10 46 47

Zadibal Maiden Sahib

33 66 Humhama

11 50 51

Lal Bazar Omer Colony

34 67 68

Pantha Chowk Khanmou

12 56 57

Hazratbal Tailbal

13 60 61

New Theed Alestang

14 55 Zakura

15 54 Ahmad Nagar

16 52 53

Soura Buchpora

17 48 49

Nowshera Zoonimar

18 37 38

Safakadal` Eidgah

19 62 Palpora

20 27 29

Nawab Bazar Ali Kadal

21 26 28

Syed Ali Akbar Islam Yarbal

22 23 24

Shaheed Gung Karan Nagar

23 18 25

Qamerwari Chattabal

28

Presently, Srinagar city has been divided into two Divisions based on the two

divisions formed due to the diagonal intersection by River Jhelum, four

administrative zones, 34 administrative wards and 68 electoral wards (Figure 1.5 and

table 1.1). The numbers of Municipal Administrative Wards have been increased

from 23 to 34 for efficient and proper administration.

Similarly the Electoral Wards consists of 68 Municipal

Constituencies/Electoral Wards as against 33 that existed before its up gradation in

the year 2003 (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

1.2.4 Infrastructural Development

Mughals were the pioneer of Infrastructural development in Kashmir in 14th

century.

Mughal/Indo Islamic architecture of Srinagar is characterized by its wood work

mostly by Deodar pine. Wood played an important role in the architectural

development of Srinagar city because of its availability in abundance and climatic

suitability. The beautiful gardens, museums, mosques and shrines every construction

reveals the Mughal architecture. Single tree trunks were generally employed as piers

for the support of the big structures. The examples of wooden architecture of

Srinagar are the wooden bridges (locally called Kadals) and the wooden shrines

(locally called Ziarats). Later, in 16th

to 17th

century Mughals revived the stone

building art of the Valley and the examples are Khan Kah-i-Mualla/Shah Hamdan

Mosque & Jama Masjid etc., located in the core area of the city.

Later when the availability of wood decreased; bricks and wood was used in

the architectural works. The housing of the poor people in the city used unburnt

bricks, built up in frames of wood and the walls were not mere than the thickness of

a brick. The roofs were formed of layers of birch-bark covered with a coating of

earth, grasses and flowers. The houses of the riches were commonly detached and

surrounded by a wall and gardens, which were connected with a canal. The

condition of the gardens was pathetic. The general character of the city was like the

confused mass of ill-favoured buildings, intersected with canals in every direction.

During the Maharaja rule in Kashmir several market places and bazaars in

the city came into existence. Numerous gardens were constructed in the core and

outskirts of the city, especially on the banks of river Jhelum. Dilawar Khan Bagh is

29

one such example, located near Brari Nambal in the core area of the city (Bates,

1980).

In contrast to the infrastructure of early 20th

century; 21st century brought

planned residential colonies came into existence for example Jawahar Nagar,

Rajbagh, Wazir Bagh; on the south of Lal Chowk (CBD), Rawalpora, Sanath Nagar

in south, Nundreshi colony, Bemina in the west of the city etc. The houses are built

up of concrete with modern architectural designs. Some of the residential places in

the old city like Naupora, Kohn Khan, Brari Nambal etc, are getting rapidly

transformed into the commercial zones. Similarly, residential colonies at Soura and

Buchpora, in the northern end of the city further added to the infrastructural

development of the city.

Lal Chowk (CBD) area thrive in trade and commerce with all type of

availability of goods and services, e.g., jewelry, silversmiths, electronics, book

shops, readymade garments, motor vehicle showrooms, shopping complexes.

Various government offices are located here like State Road Transport Corporation

(SRTC), Government Press, District and High court, General Post Office (GPO),

Telephone Exchange, Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC)

office, Private hospitals, Animal Husbandry Department; Schools and colleges e.g.,

Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson School, Government College for Women and

Government College of Education etc. Parks and Play grounds such as Polo ground,

Golf course, Sher-i-Kashmir Park etc. Moreover the religious places and forts are

also found in good number, which reflect the cultural and economic base of the city.

This infrastructural development is spreading towards the other parts of the

city with the growing demands from the rapidly increasing population. Further,

because of the congestion in the core area, the decentralizing of various government

and private institutions has already started, thereby leading to the expansion of

infrastructural base towards the city outskirts.

1.2.5 Basic Amenities and Facilities

The basic amenities and facilities in the city are regulated by Srinagar Municipal

Corporation (SMC). The uninterrupted and accelerated growth of population of

Srinagar city from 0.24 million in the year 1951 to 1.5 million in the year 2011 has

put pressure on the city in terms of basic amenities and infrastructural facilities

30

including health and hygiene. As per 2001 census the city had 124253 households.

Besides natural growth, the increase is attributed to the migration of people from the

villages of the neighbouring districts (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2010). Some

of the available basic amenities and facilities enumerated by census (Census, 2001a)

are listed below:-

Health services: Srinagar city has 11 hospitals with 2966 bed capacity, 13

dispensaries, 12 health centers, and 10 nursing homes with 447 bed capacity.

Educational services: The city has 2 universities, 2 medical colleges, 1

engineering college, 5 polytechnic colleges, 2 vetenerary institutes, 16 senior

secondary schools, 119 middle schools, 152 primary schools.

Entertainment and Recreational services: There are various entertainment and

recreational places i.e., 3 sports stadiums, 1 cinema, and 19 auditoriums and

number of parks and gardens.

Water availability: Water supply in Srinagar city is from the perennial sources.

Dachigam Nallah is tapped at Harwan in the northeast; Sindh Extension Canal at

Rangil; Alestang water plant in the northwest and Doodganga Nallah in the

south. These supply about 50 million gallons per day to the city.

1.2.6 Transportation

Srinagar city is well connected with the intra and the inter city roads and highways.

The internal city transport depends upon State Road Transport Corporation,

privately owned minibuses, auto-rickshaws. Main Bus stand is located at Lal Chowk

(CBD). The city lacks railway connectivity with the rest of country. However, the

inter district railway line connects some of the districts.

The present system of transportation is grossly inadequate with the area

under transportation use being only about 3% as against the national average of 10-

14% for Metro Cities. This deficiency is attributed to the inability of the government

agencies to assure adequate transportation to the rapidly growing number of people.

Also there is no significant expansion and extension of the existing roads which has

lead to the problem of traffic jams. Another problem in transportation in Srinagar

city is the concentration of activities in the Central Business District (CBD). All

major Government, Commercial and Transport terminals are located in this area.

Some road junctions in the core area of the city have heavy peak hour traffic ranging

31

from 1900 to more than 2000 Passengers Car Units (P.C.U‟s). However, Master

Plan has firm plans for the betterment of transportation in the city (Srinagar

Development Authority, 2000).

The nearest railway station connecting Srinagar city with the rest of the

country is Udhampur which is about 230 Km away. Srinagar International Airport is

at the distance of only 15 Km from the core area of the city.

1.3 Demographic Profile of Srinagar City:

1.3.1 Population and Growth

In the year 1901, the total population of Srinagar city was 122,618. With the growth

rate of +3.04 between the year 1901-1921 population grew up to 141,735. During

1941-1961 population growth rate declined due to widespread epidemics, political

unrest due to partition of sub-continent in 1947 which led to large scale out-

migration of people. However, after independence, in 1951 it reached up to 246,522

at the growth rate of 18.64%. In the year 1981 population was 617672 with the

growth rate of +40.13 between the year 1971 and 1981. The 1991, census operation

was not done in J&K state. In 2001 the total population of Srinagar city was 952324,

and census 2011 revealed 1192792 population (provisional); with the growth rate of

+51.06 between the years 2001-2011 (Table 1.2 and figure 1.6 & 1.7). Srinagar city

had total 124253 number of households in 2001. The city had total number of 1637

Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe population, which included 1226 males and

411 females (Census, 2001b).

Generally, population growth is measured with respect to natural increase

and net migration. In addition to the natural increase in case of fast expanding cities

like Srinagar, which has recorded widespread urban sprawl, another important

dimension i.e. territorial annexation also contributes to its urban growth.

Urbanization pattern of Srinagar city, has combinedly taken place due to auto-

urbanization, in-migration and territorial annexation (Zutshi, 2005; Town Planning,

2005) (Table 1.3).

Centripetal forces are operating from the city, restricting the growth and

development of other towns.

32

Table 1.2: Population of Srinagar City (1901-2011)

Population of Srinagar City

YEAR POPULATION Decadal Growth rate

1901 122,618 -

1911 126,344 3.04

1921 141,735 12.18

1931 173,573 22.46

1941 207,787 19.71

1951 246,522 18.64

1961 285,257 15.71

1971 415,271 34.31

1981 617672 40.13

1991 ----- -----

2001 952324 44.62

2011*

1192792 51.06 Source: * Census of India 2011, Projected population totals.

1. Census of India 2001, Decadal reports.

2. Primary Census Abstract, 1981, District Srinagar and Jammu.

Figure 1.6: Poulation of Srinagar city (1901-2011)

Y E A R

P O

P

U

L

A

T

I

O N

2011

1400000

1200000

1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001

1000000

20000

0

40000

0

60000

0

80000

0

No Census Operation

33

2001-11

Figure 1.7: Population Growth Rate of Srinagar city (1901-2011).

Table 1.3 clearly shows that auto-urbanisation significantly contributed to

the population growth of the city. However, there has been remarkable increase in

urban growth of the city especially after independence when city expanded rapidly.

Migration has also consistently contributed to the population growth, mainly

because of concentration of economic, political, administrative and socio-cultural

activities in the city which pull people from various parts of the State.

Table 1.3: Components of Population Growth in Srinagar City

Source: 1. Birth and Death Files (1954-81) Registrar, Birth and Deaths, Srinagar Municipality. 2. Economic Digest 1983-84 (Vital Statistics).

Year Total Growth Auto-

Urbanization

Net Migration Territorial

Annexation

1921- 31 31,836 6050 (19 %) 19864 (62.39%) 5927 (18.60%)

1951- 61 38,735 18889 (48.76%) 17700 (45.69%) 1044 (2.70%)

1961- 71 1,21,595 47295 (38.36%) 19438 (15.98%) 54862 (45.11%)

1971- 81 1,82,749 79720 (43.62%) 37378 (20.45%) 65615 (35.90%)

1981- 91 2,57,119 87401 (33.99%) 75617 (29.41%) 94203 (36.63%)

2001-11 1901-11 1911-21 1921-31 1941-51 1951-61 1961-71 1971-81 1931-41 1991-01 1981-91

0

60

50

40

30

20

10

Y E A R

P

E

R

C

E

N

T

A

G

E

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1901-1911 1911-1921 1921-1931 1931-1941 1941-1951 1951-1961 1961-1971 1971-1981 1981-1991 1991-2001 2001-2011

No Census Operation

34

Out of the total migrants to the city about 81.86 per cent are from within

the Valley, 10.21 per cent outside the Valley but within the State and 7.94 per cent

are from outside the state. About 24.26 per cent people migrate to Srinagar city for

education, 30.82 per cent for recreation, 44 per cent for economic activities and 0.92

per cent for political reasons (Town Planning, 2005).

1.3.2 Population density

The city had the population density of 180 person/Sq Km in the year 1971 which

increased to 559 person/Sq Km by the year 2011 (Directorate of Economics and

Statistics, 2007; Census, 2011). This density decreases from the core to the

periphery of the city, indicating influence of physical and environmental constraints.

Similarly, the social, economic and technological development is in its early stage.

The uneven distribution of population is attributed to the small-scale manufacturing

activities, concentration of service activities in few pockets of the city and weak

agricultural land capability (only single growing season, weak and uneven

irrigational facilities).

1.3.3 Sex ratio

The sex ratio in Srinagar city has decreased from 846 to 842 females per thousand

males during the year 1951 to 2001 respectively. In 2011 it increased to 859

(Census, 2011), which is still below the national average of 933. About 8.98%

population is below 6 years of age, including 44589 males and 40968 females. Sex

ratio in the city is low because of male sex selective in-migration for seeking

economic avenues; therefore male population dominates. This has led to the higher

mortality rates for females in the places of out-migration in the neighbouring

districts due to social under development. Moreover liking towards the male child

and family planning practices also lead to low sex ratio.

1.3.4 Literacy rate

The literacy rate in Srinagar city has increased from 19% in the year 1951 to 58% in

the year 2001 (Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 2007). In 2011, it increased

up to 68.74% which is still below the national average of 74.04%. This percentage

includes 78% male literates and the remaining 22% of female literates. The gender

35

gap in literacy rate is mainly because of poor social awareness for female education

in the city and existence of traditional beliefs. Also the ongoing political disturbance

in the state has restricted the movement of people in general and women in

particular. This lower social development contributes to low level of technological

skills leading to under utilization of resources.

1.4 Cultural Profile of Srinagar City:

1.4.1 Historic and Religious Monuments: Cultural possessions of Srinagar city can

be explained by its existing historic and religious monuments. The important ones

are:-

(a) Hazratbal Shrine: Situated on the left bank of

the Dal Lake, is considered to be Kashmir's holiest

Muslim shrine. Its name has been derived from the

Arabic word Hazrat, meaning holy or majestic, and

the local Kashmiri word bal, meaning place. The

Moi-e-Muqqadas (the sacred hair) of Mohammed

(saw) is believed to be preserved here. The shrine is

known by many other names like Hazratbal, Assar-

e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani, or simply Dargah

Sharif. Sadiq Khan (a high rank army man of Emperor Shah Jahan) laid out a garden

here and constructed a splendid building, Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623.

The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Aquaf

Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979

(Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

(b) Khanqah- i –Mualla (Shah Hamadan Mosque): Is situated on the right bank of

the River Jhelum, below the Fateh Kadal, in the core area. This mosque was built by

the ruler Sultan Sikander in 15th

century C.E., built up of the wood of the Deodar

Pine. It was built in the memory of a Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (RA). He

came to India in 1379 C.E during the Reign of Sultan Qutbuddin, from southern part

of Baghlan province in the northeastern Afghanistan for the spread of Islam.

(c) Hari Parbat/Koh-i-Maran fort: Located in the north of city, it derives its name

from the Hindu god „Hari‟ or „Vishnu‟, whose rock-cut sculpture is on one side of

the slope. The first fortifications on the site were constructed by the Mughal

Hazratbal Shrine

36

emperor Akbar in 1590. The present fort was built in 1808 under the reign of Shuja

Shah Durrani. The hill is surrounded by a stone wall, which was built by Akbar and

enclosed the royal city of Nagar Nagar. Its length is about 3 miles; it is 28 feet high

and 13 inches thick (Bates, 1980).

(d) Shah Hamzah or Makhdoom Sahib Shrine: Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is

located on the south of Koh-i-Maran hill. It is also known by, Mehboob-ul-Alam,

Sultan-Ul-Arifeen and also called as Hazrat Sultan after the name of a Sufi saint.

This shrine is visited throughout the year by Muslims and the people of all faiths

(Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009).

(e) Shankaracharya Temple: Is located at the top of the Shankaracharya hill/Koh-i-

Sulaiman hill/Takht-i-Sulaiman (Throne of Solomon) in the core area of the city.

Raja Gopadatya got the temple constructed in 370 BC. The great philosopher

Shankaracharya is said to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir to revive

Sanatan Dharma. Made up of rock, it is about 25 feet tall and 100 feet in its

circumference (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2009)

(f) Dastgeer Sahib Shrine: Is located in the core area of the city. It does not hold

any tomb or mausoleum inside but a mosque having holy relic of Pir Dastgeer sahib

(RA) a Sufi saint. It was built during Afghan rule of Noor-u-Din Khan Bamzai by

Khawaja Sakhi Shah Sahib who came to Kashmir from Bagdad

Khanqah- i –Mualla Shrine Hari Parbat

Shah Hamzah Shrine Shankaracharya Temple Dastgeer Sahib Shrine

37

(g) Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara: It is situated outside the southern gate of Hari

Parbat forte i.e., Kathi Darwaza. It is one of the important Sikh Shrine in Kashmir. It

is believed that the sixth guru of Sikhism traveled through Kashmir, stopping to

preach occasionally and stayed for few days (Srinagar Municipal Corporation,

2009).

(h) Jama Masjid: Situated in the heart of the city, it is one of the oldest and the

spacious mosques in Kashmir. This mosque was built by Sultan Sikander in 1398

C.E. The area of the mosque is 384feetX381feet (Srinagar Municipal Corporation,

2009).

(i) Aali Masjid: Is located in the north at Eidgah, on the bank of Mar canal

(presently a concrete road). Aali Masjid was built during the time of Sultan Hassaiu

Badshah, by Kaji Husti, Sonar, about C.E. 1471 (Bates, 1980).

(j) Khanqah-i-Bulbul Shah: Located on the right bank of Jhelum, it is said to be

the first mosque of Kashmir. It is the small decayed wooden building. Bulbul Shah

was the Sufi saint who is buried there (Bates, 1980).

(k) No Masjid or Pathar Masjid: Is located on the left bank of the river Jhelum

opposite to Shah Hamadan Mosque in the core area of the city. It was built by

famous queen Nur Jahan (the light of the world). It is three storied building and

about 180 feet long (Bates, 1980).

(l) Shergarhi: Is a fort, situated in the core area of the city on the left bank of river

Jhelum. It was the royal palace and the city residence of Maharaja and of the Wazir

Pannu who was the governor of Kashmir (Bates, 1980).

Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara Jama Masjid

38

1.5 Natural Profile of Srinagar City

1.5.1 Water Bodies and Parks:

Srinagar city is garlanded with numerous lakes and wet lands, which are

ecologically important and also social, economic and cultural existence of the city

depends on them. Some of them are given below:-

(a) Dal Lake: Located on the

right bank of river Jhelum

between 34°04′ to 34°11′ N

latitude and 74°48′ to 74°53′ E

longitude. The word “Dal” in

Kashmiri language signifies “a

lake”. It is also a Tibetan word

which means “still”. It was a

vast meadow called

“Vitalamarg”. Later due to massive earthquake, water gushed into the meadow and

took the shape of a lake. This lake is one of the important tourist destinations of the

city. It attracts people from all over the world. The total area of the lake was about

25 Sq Km, which has now reduced to 13 Sq Km. The decrease is attributed to the

urbanization, siltation, illegal encroachment, degradation of its catchment as well as

the eutrophication. The lake is fed by the river flowing from north through a dark

and deep channel called Tailbal or river of oil. Dal Lake is governed by nodal

agency; J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).

Dal Lake has been divided into three parts (a) Gagribal (b) Lokut Dal (c)

Bud Dal. The lake has an average depth of 7-10 feet. Within the lake are two islands,

i.e., Sona Lanka (Gold Island) and Rupa Lanka (Silver Island) which are decorated

with four (4) Chinar (Platenous orientalis) trees, and hence are also known as Char

Chinar (Bates, 1980). One of the important features of Dal Lake is floating gardens

(locally called as Radh). These gardens yield tomatoes, cucumbers, musk and

various other vegetables.

(b) Nigeen Lake: Nigeen Lake is located on the north-western corner of the Dal

Lake. It is only 1 Sq Km in its area. The Lake is also connected with Dal Lake by

Ashai Bagh Bridge. This is the only lake which has suffered less in the process of

urban expansion in Srinagar city.

Dal Lake

39

(c) Khushalsar and Bab-i-demb water bodies: Khushalsar is located to the west of

Nigeen Lake. Earlier it was a fresh water lake which has become victim of

anthropogenic pressure. Lot of sewage and garbage is being dumped into it and

presently is in the dying stage. Bab-i-demb is a small water body located in the west

of Dal Lake, in the core area of the city.

(d) Dachigam National Park: Dachigam National Park is located to the east of Dal

Lake, about 20 Km away from Lal Chowk (CBD). It covers total area of 141 Sq Km.

Various animal species are found here e.g., Hangul, Monkey, Leopard, Common

Quill, Monkey, Black Bear, Jungle Fowl, Chakore, Langur (District profile, 2009).

However, it is famous for Hangul. Hangul is endangered red deer specie of India,

which is only found in this park. The park also has a Trout fish farm. The dense

forests of Dachigam propose a picturesque view along with a Glacier fed rivulet

flowing through its middle.

1.5.2 Gardens:

During Mughal rule in Kashmir, Srinagar was decorated with number of parks and

gardens which form the important part of the cultural assets of the city. Some of the

important ones are as follows:

(a) Nishat Garden: It is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, at the foot of

Zabarwan hills, about 11 Km from the city center. It was built by Emperor Jehangir

in the year 1633 C.E. after his first visit to Kashmir. It is 600 yards long and 350

yards wide. This garden is celebrated for its Chinar (Platenous orientalis) trees,

brought by Mughals from Persia. The garden has been arranged into 10 terraces

(Bates, 1980).

(b) Shalimar Garden: Shalimar Garden is located in the north east at a distance of

about 15 Km from the city center. It was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur

Jahan in 1616 C.E. The garden is 600 yards long and 200 yards wide, surrounded by

brick and stone wall of about 10 feet height, and is arranged in four terraces of

nearly equal dimension (Bates, 1980).

40

Nishat Garden Shalimar Garden

(c) Chashma Shahi and Pari Mahal: Chashma Shahi is located on the slopes of

the Zabarwan mountain. It is about a mile away from the southeast margin of the

Dal Lake. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1632 C.E, who named it after the mountain

spring that waters it. The gardens include three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and

fountains. Further two kilometers uphill from Cheshma Shahi is Pari Mahal. It was a

school of astrology founded by Prince Dara Shikoh, Emperor Shah Jahan's eldest

son. Presently it is a heritage structure where tourists visit in large numbers (District

Profile, 2009).

1.6 Economic Profile of Srinagar City

Srinagar city is the centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley. At the same time it

faces many problems e.g., isolation, backward and inaccessible areas, lack of an

industrial base and employment opportunities. However, the state is gifted with a

substantial water resource, mineral base, and is famous for its handicrafts, handloom

products, tourism, horticulture produce and cottage industry. The economic structure

of the last three decades shows the diversification of economic activities in the city

with insignificant changes in overall structure.

1.6.1 Participation Ratio:

In the year 1961, the participation ratio of the city population in all types of

economic activities was 28% as workers and 72% as non-workers cum marginal

workers. However, 2001 census shows about 31% population as workers and the

remaining 69% as marginal and non-workers. Marginal workers were 3.20% and

non-workers were 68.1%. The cottage industry in Srinagar engages full time

workers as well as part time workers. Therefore the higher percentages under non-

workers cum marginal workers add significantly to the total participation ratio in the

city. This industry is therefore income generating, nuisance free and compatible with

41

the healthy environment. Besides having the potential of absorbing the population at

lower educational levels it provides jobs to women folk in good proportion within

their houses. It engages qualified youth in documentation, marketing and

management (Srinagar Development Authority, 2000).

1.6.2 Occupational Pattern:

The comparative analysis of sectoral distribution of workers in Srinagar city shows

(Table 1.4) that majority of the active workers have been engaged in tertiary sector

including trade and commerce, transportation and service activities. It constituted

about 86.3 per cent of workers in 1951, 78.68 per cent in 1981 and 81.09 per cent in

2001. Secondary sector which includes industrial and construction activities,

constituted only 6.2 per cent in 1951, 14.97 per cent in 1981 and 13.19 per cent in

2001 (Town Planning, 2005). This decrease is attributed, firstly to the political

disturbance in the state; secondly, the less number of medium scale industries in the

city and most of which have grown sick over the period of time, particularly due to

non-availability of raw materials, transport costs and competition with similar

products manufactured outside the state. As many as 7266 public and private units

have turned sick in Srinagar city (Srinagar Development Authority, 2000).

The primary sector which includes agriculture, mining, quarrying, live

stock, forestry and allied occupations constituted 7.5 per cent workers in 1951, 6.36

per cent in 1981 and 5.14 per cent in 2001. The increase in tertiary sector in 2000 is

attributed to the closure of industrial units and low inflow of tourists due to political

unrest in the valley.

The employment in tertiary activities has shown variance from 86.3 per cent

in 1961 to 84.04 per cent in 1951 and 78.68 per cent in 1981 to 81.91 in the year

2000. The decreasing trend in this sector is attributed to sharp decline in the Tourist

trade from the year 1989 onwards. Tourist flow to the Valley decreased from

7,22,035 in 1989 to 2,17,292 in 1999. However, service sector is important

contributor towards the employment generation and income multiplier in the city‟s

economy. Since, Srinagar city is the center of administration and the capital;

therefore, service sector is likely to expand with the size of the city. It has to play a

key role in the economy of the city in absence of strong industrial base especially the

basic industries (Srinagar Development Authority, 2000).

42

Table 1.4: Srinagar City: Distribution of Workers (in percentage).

1951 1961 1971 1981 2001

Primary Sector 7.5 4.39 4.49 6.36 5.14

Cultivators --- 1.89 2.31 3.34 ---

Agricultural labourers --- 1.05 0.94 1.07 ---

Live Stock, Fishing,

Hunting, Plantation,

Forestry etc.

--- 0.98 1.01

1.31 ---

Mining and Quarrying --- 0.47 0.49 0.81 ---

Secondary Sector 6.2 11.0 10.79 14.97 13.19

Manufacturing and

Household industry

--- 8.36 7.37

10.81 ---

Construction --- 2.43 3.42 4.16 ---

Tertiary Sector 86.3 86.01 84.04 78.68 81.91

Trade and Commerce --- 9.8 9.71 7.21 ---

Transport- Storage and

Communication

--- 12.90

12.73 11.91 ---

Other Services --- 61.31 61.96 59.56 ---

Source: Town Planning, 2005.

Although, Srinagar is predominantly a service city but it has low absorption

capacity and potentials in employment sector because of its growing population.

Therefore, in the absence of diversified employment opportunities to the growing

population, certain informal economic activities have come up in the city which has

been overlooked in the earlier plans. They do not fall in the category of organized or

well defined sectors of economy. This has resulted in additional pressure on existing

infrastructure services and encroachment of public land.

It has not only deteriorated the basic infrastructure but also generated

problems in planned physical development of the city. These activities range from

production of toys, household goods, retail and wholesale trading activities,

servicing of various equipments, domestic services. Their concentration is observed

near major work centers, bus terminals, important road intersections and in

unattended public vacant land in the city (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2010).

1.6.3 Industry

1.6.3(a) Handloom and Handicraft Industries:

Kashmiri people are known for manufacturing of carpets, shawls, silk textiles, raffle,

woodwork and handicraft commodities. The art manufacturing of Srinagar is having

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demand throughout the world. Some of the handicraft industries of Srinagar city are

as follows:

(i) Silk Industry: It is one of the ancient industries of Srinagar city which is known

for its colour, shades and quality. The silk products of this industry are of export

quality, mostly exported to Middle East and Western countries. Moreover this

industry provides raw material for shawl making, carpet, Gabba (local name for

good quality of woolen carpet), Namda (local name for low quality of woolen

carpet) and hosiery etc.

The silk factory of Srinagar is located at Rambagh. It was established in May

1897 by Raja Ranbir Singh. The factory produces about 50 thousand kg of raw silk

annually. The influx of cheap synthetic fiber into the market and the Free Trade

Policy of Govt. of India posed serious threats to this industry.

(ii) Carpet-Making and Woolen Textile: Carpet-making is one of the oldest

industries of Kashmir. Srinagar city, the capital city is having a good number of

small scale carpet making factories. Some of the important carpet making factories

in Srinagar City are, the Cottage Industry Exposition, C.A.E Carpet Factory, the

Kashmiri carpet Factory, the East-Indian carpet factory, the Oriental Carpet Factory

and the John Carpet Factory. The workforce involved in this industry also includes

children and teenagers from poor financial background.

This industry is the leading industries of Srinagar city fetching foreign

exchange. Woolen carpets include Namda and Gabba. The average size of Namda is

1m x 1.5 m. Gabba is relatively larger in size than Namda. Gabba is made up made

up of coarser wool. There are two woolen textile factories in Srinagar city, one is

located at Karan Nagar and another at Bemina.

(iii) Metal works: Srinagar City is also the production center of copper utensils,

pottery and basket making. Copper is still the popular metal for household use in

Kashmir. Plain, beaten, embossed or engraved, copper is used to make a variety of

utensils both for daily and festive occasions. Various types of domestic vessels used

for cooking and serving food are made from brass, copper and bronze. Besides

cooking vessels, samovars (local copper kettle), tumblers, bowls, cups, plates and

trays are also made. These are often embroidered with motif like Almond (Badam),

Arch (Mehrab) and chinar leaf. In addition to it lignite briquetting plant at Shalteng

in west, glass-making and electric goods manufacturing units are also found.

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(b) Forest-based Industries:

The forest based industries in Srinagar include paper, pulp, match, delicate boxes,

sports goods (Cricket bats), furniture, joinery, toys, artifacts and decoration items.

The skilled carpenters in and around the city prepare ceilings with perfect and

attractive designs. This type of ceiling is known as Khatamband. The boat industry

is also well developed and existing since long. Famous Deodar pine wood is used

for the construction of boats. Usually boatmen (locally called as Hanjis) are involved

in this industry. The important forest based industries in Srinagar city are:

(i) Papier Machie: It is the product made from pulp of paper. It is an important

industry of Srinagar. Designs of lacquer are applied on the wood works which is

generally made up of smooth wood. Various products are made with the intricate

designs like pen-boxes, tables, trays, jewelry boxes, flower vase etc.

(ii) Sports goods industries: The woods are useful for Match and Sports goods

industries etc. Wood from Kashmir is used to make export quality cricket bats,

popularly known as Kashmir Willow.

(c) Agro-based Industries:

Srinagar city produces large quantities of rice. There are numerous rice-husking

factories in the city. Barbarshah rice mill in the core area of the city is one such

example. Paddy as a Kharif crop is the major crop of the city plain areas. At few

places some area is under oilseeds and wheat which is a winter Rabi crop. Maize is

the second widely grown cereal crop in the city and is predominantly grown on

slopes of foothills.

Agriculture of Srinagar city is characterized by the predominance of single

crop paddy cultivation. Apart from the soil and slope, climatic factors determine the

agricultural characteristics of the city. Agriculture is still traditional to the large

extent. The paddy is largely cultivated by transplantation method. Use of manures

and fertilizers is common. Due to low level of technological development, very little

farm machinery is available to the farmer. Most of the agricultural practices are

manual or with the help of farm animals. The agricultural practices of a farmer in

Srinagar need a selective change to adjust it with the modern developments in farm

technology. Horticulture and floriculture which is the branch of horticulture are the

important agro-based industries in Srinagar city.

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(i) Horticulture: Srinagar has a long traditional of fruit cultivation which has also

shaped its landscape. Significant area of Srinagar is coved by fruit orchards. It is the

land of fauna, flora and fruits, with rich history of fruit cultivation. The fruits grown

under this culture are Apple, Pear, Cherry, Almond, Walnut, Peaches, Saffron,

Apricot, Strawberry, Plums, etc.

(ii) Floriculture: Floriculture, an important branch of horticulture involves the

cultivation of flowers and it includes ornamental gardening and landscaping.

Srinagar city has a tradition of gardening for aesthetic purposes, thereby supporting

its economy also. Srinagar city have ideal climatic conditions for floriculture on

commercial scale for National and International markets. Its marketing is carried out

in the Middle East and European countries where demand of Lily, Rose, Tata Rose,

Gladilieus cut flower and other varieties is quite high.

(d) Tourism Industry:

Tourism is an important economic sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourism industry

promotes the economy of the state. It also acts as a force for the conservation of its

cultural heritage, and provides significant job opportunities for women and young

people. About 40% of the people of the city were involved directly or indirectly in

tourism industry from time to time e.g. hotelier, houseboat owners, taxi drivers,

handicrafts, tourist guides, transporters, etc (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2010).

It offers educational training and skills development and rejuvenates traditional arts

and crafts.

Srinagar is one of the beautiful tourist destinations of the world. Tourism in

Kashmir has a long history. Large number of people of Srinagar city are associated

with this industry. Srinagar city is rich in physical as well as cultural assets which

attract people from other states and nations. It‟s beautiful lakes like Dal, Nigeen etc.,

its springs, snow clad peaks, perennial rivers, Mughal gardens, floating gardens,

Apple-Almond orchards, saffron fields are the major attractions. Houseboats are

important attraction for tourists in Srinagar. There are about 1200 houseboats in Dal

Lake. Huge amount of money are invested by the Boatmen (Hanjis) for the

construction and designing of these houseboats. However, because of the ongoing

political disturbance in the state since 1990s, tourism industry faced a setback.

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With abundant natural resources like lime, forests, water; Srinagar is self

sufficient for the developmental works at its own. Srinagar Municipal Corporation

and Srinagar Development Authority work all together in ensuring the better

standard of living to its residents. The growing population is getting aware of the

importance of literacy and modernity so, education is given importance. One of the

leading industries being the Tourism industry has a potential for promoting the

economy. Dal Lake and the adjoining Mughal gardens from time to time has

remained the focus of foreign and national tourists thereby boosts the economy.