Quick Facts

Quick Facts

1. General Introduction:

• Location: Kulgam is a district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Formation: It was carved out as a separate district from Anantnag District in 2007.
• Administrative Headquarters: Kulgam town.
• Area: Approximately 1,067 square kilometers.
• Population: As per the 2011 Census, the district had around 424,483 people.
• Languages Spoken: Kashmiri (major), Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, and English (official languages after Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019).

2. Geography:

• Topography: Kulgam is a hilly region with parts lying on the foothills of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
• Major Rivers: The Veshaw River (also called Veshev) — a major tributary of the Jhelum — flows through Kulgam.
• Climate:
  • Summer: Mild and pleasant.
  • Winter: Very cold with snowfall, especially in higher altitudes.
• Vegetation: Dense forests, apple orchards, and agricultural land dominate the landscape.

3. Economy:

• Agriculture: A major part of the local economy; main crops include:
  • Rice
  • Maize
  • Apples (Kulgam is famous for its apple orchards)
  • Walnuts
• Horticulture: Significant income source (especially apple and walnut farming).
• Handicrafts: Traditional Kashmiri crafts like shawl weaving, carpet making, and embroidery also provide employment.
• Tourism: Kulgam has several scenic spots, though political instability has limited full tourism development.

4. Administration:

• District Development Commissioner (Deputy Commissioner): Head of district administration.
• Subdivisions: Kulgam district is divided into several tehsils, including:
  • Kulgam
  • D.H. Pora
  • Devsar
  • Yaripora
  • Frisal
• Municipal setup: Town areas governed by municipal committees.

5. Major Towns and Villages:

• Towns: Kulgam, Yaripora, Qazigund (gateway to Kashmir Valley), Devsar.
• Important Villages: Pahloo, Behibagh, Chawalgam, Kellam, and Ashmuji.

6. Connectivity:

• Roads: Well-connected by road to Anantnag, Srinagar, and Jammu.
• National Highway: Close to the NH-44 (Srinagar-Jammu Highway) via Qazigund.
• Rail: Nearest railway station — Qazigund Railway Station, linking Kulgam to Srinagar and Banihal.
• Air: Nearest airport — Srinagar International Airport, about 75–80 km away.

7. Tourist Attractions:

• Aharbal Waterfall: Known as the "Niagara Falls of Kashmir," a major tourist destination.
• Kausar Nag Lake: A high-altitude lake, considered sacred and a trekker’s attraction.
• Manzgam and Waltengoo Nar: Famous for their scenic beauty and springs.
• Spring of Kounsernag: Sacred to Hindus; important pilgrimage destination.
• Trekking and Camping: Popular in Pir Panjal mountain areas.

8. Education and Institutions:

• Colleges:
  • Government Degree College, Kulgam
  • Several government and private high schools and secondary schools
• Literacy Rate: Around 60% (as per 2011 Census).

9. Culture and Society:

• Religion: Predominantly Muslim population (Sunni Muslims mainly); with minor Hindu and Sikh communities.
• Culture:
  • Deeply influenced by Kashmiri traditions — in language, dress (pheran), and festivals.
  • Major festivals include Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Shab-e-Baraat.
• Cuisine: Typical Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni, and traditional Wazwan are popular.

10. Recent Issues:

• Security: Kulgam has seen periods of unrest and militant activity, especially after 2016.
• Development Challenges: Political instability has affected the pace of development and tourism.
• Government Focus: Recent efforts have been made to improve infrastructure, education, tourism, and horticulture under UT governance.

Quick Facts Table: