Once a revered pilgrimage, Vetasta spring fast loosing its splendor

Locals allege political interference

by News Agency of Kashmir 

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Anantnag /Verinag: One time revered pilgrimage for local Hindus, famous Vetasta spring or Verinag in south Kashmir is fast loosing its splendor in the absence of proper look after by the tourism authorities.

 

Besides being known as the origin of river Jhelum, Vetasta spring is also of great importance for local Hindus who revere it as the incarnation of Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

 

Both the quantity and quality of crystal clear water gushing out of the foot hills of Peer Panchal is falling alarmingly due to unabated access to the spring which has reduced it to merely a Ghat where people wash their dirty clothes and utensils.

 

Though a development authority has already been set up by the government for promoting Verinag as a tourist attraction, the surroundings present a depressing picture with poorly maintained gardens and dusky waters in the tank.  

 

Local allege that the place has become a victim of politics with some big wigs within the government creating hurdles in its development for there vested interests.

 

"A 'big leader' do not want Verinag to be noticed in the list of tourist destinations of Kashmir fearing a drop in flow of visitors to the place falling in his home constituency", a local resident belonging to majority community told News Agency of Kashmir preferring anonymity.

 

"We want that the real status of Verinag should be restored by promoting it as a pilgrimage destination', he added and said the place is greatly revered by local Hindus and represents the rich traditions of Kashmiri culture.

 

Respected as incarnation of Mata Parvati in the shape of waters, Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates its birthday as Vat-13 in the month of September.

 

Besides this, the spring has also great importance in the sustenance of people as it irrigates 10 villages of the area known as Dogaam.