My lovely District Shopian

Shopian

1. Area : 612.87 sq Kms.
2. Grazing lands : 2948 hectares.
3. Forest : 260 hectares .
4. 90% of population living in rural areas.
5. Total population as per 2011 census 2,65,960.

Located in the south and south west extremity of Kashmir valley, shopian sub division is lying in the close proximity Pir Panjal mountain range. It is bounded by district Kulgam on its east and district Budgam on its north west. It is flanked by district Pulwama in the north and the districts of Rajouri and poonch on its south and south west respectly.

Shopian is the 22nd district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Shopian is situated at a distance of 51 Kms from Srinagar and 20 Kms from Pulwama, shopian has old connectivity roads with Kulgam and Anantnag. Shopian is famous for Mughal road which connects them to Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu division via Mughal road. Shopian District is at high elevation (2057m) above the sea level.

Mughal road was neglected from past many years and was only traversed by Gujjars and Bakerwallas (tribals) on the eve of the seasonal migration but the Mughal road is now little bit good as before. This road links the two administrative divisions which boosts the economy of the respective areas, and provides an opportunity to understand the people of the Rajouri and Poonch areas.

The word Shopian has been derived from the word SHAH-PAYAN i.e, royal stay shopian has been an ancient town of kashmir, which among other factors in the past has historical importance since it is situated on the ancient imperial route commonly known as Mughal Road.

Shopian District has many heritage monuments like Mughal Sarai, Jamia Masjid which was built during Mughal period. Shopian has many tourist places which recalls nature as the best creation.

Tourist places

1. Dubjan.
2. Aharbal water fall.
3. Hirpora wild life santuary.
4. Kousarnag.
5. Padpawan.
6. Cheran bal.

Diverse nature

1. Gujjars.
2. Pastoons.
3. Dogarwalls.
4. Minels and predominantly Kashmiris.

Suhail Ur Rehman