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Profile of the Study Area …….

Planning for the Ecotourism in the Hill Region: A Case Study Pragpur, Himachal Pradesh

152

Chapter – 4

PROFILE OF STUDY AREA

4.1 INTRODUCTION:

The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village

Pragpur is located is panoramic and replete

with history. It is the home of the famous

Kangra School of painting and probably the

world’s – most

certainly India’s oldest

ruling lineage comes

from here. The village

of Pragpur is regarded

to have been first

settled in the seventeenth century. The area of Pragpur was a part of the

principality of Jaswan whose chief, in the late 16th or early 17th century

charged a band of the learned men led by a Kuthiala Sood to find a suitable

place to commemorate Princess “Prag” of his royal Lineage. Prag in

Sanskrit translates to pollen. In a way it aptly describes the area of

Pragpur, which in spring is afire with blossoms. Village lore has it that this

was done by the Kuthiala sub-caste of the Sood community of the region.

(Traditionally, the Kuthialas were considered to be the treasure keepers of

Kangra's ruling house). In Pragpur village, there are local building

traditions and borrowed forms of a colonial order. In many of the distinctive

structures that took shape in the first few decades of the twentieth century

are of brick and wood. The building experiences influences of Shimla

reminiscent of British Architecture.

Plate 4.1 Location Map of Kangra District



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4.2 KANGRA DISTRICT:

4.2.1 Location and Extent

Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is situated in Western Himalayas

between 310 2 to 320 5 N and 750 to 770 45 E. The district has a

geographical area of 5,739 sqkm. which constitutes 10.31 per cent of

geographical area of the State. According to 1991 census, the total

population of the district was 11,49,744 which is highest in the state

(22.50% of the population). The district has varying altitude ranging from

427 to 6401m above mean sea level, with some plain areas touching

Gurdaspur district of Punjab in the West and Una district of H.P. in the

South. In the East it touches Mandi district, in North with Kullu and

Chamba. The district has considerable diversity in its soils, physiography,

land use pattern and cropping system, more than 90 per cent of total

population directly or indirectly depends upon agriculture for their

livelihood.

4.2.2 Administrative setup:

From administrative point of view the district Kangra has been divided into

eight sub-Divisions viz., Dharamsala, Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra,

Nurpur, Jawali, Dehra and Jaisinghpur; and from development point of

view the district stands divided in fourteen developmental blocks, viz.

Baijnath, Bhawarna, Lambagaon, Panchrukhi, Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan,

Rait, Dehra, Pragpur, Nagrota Surian, Nurpur, Indora, Fatehpur and

Sulah at Bhedoo Mahadev. The district with respect to revenue control has

been divided into fifteen Tehsils and three sub-Tehsils. There are 732 Gram

Panchayats, 3868 villages and eight towns, viz. Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan,

Nurpur, Dharamsala, Palampur, Dehragopipur, Jawalamukhi and Yol.



154

Table 4.1 Administrative Set Up of District Kangra, 2006

S.No. Particulars Kangra Himachal Pradesh

1. Sub-Divisions 8 52

2. Tehsils & Sub-Tehsils 19 109

3. Development Blocks 14 75

4. Assembly Segments 16 68

5. Gram Panchayats 732 3037

6. Inhabited Villages 3619 17495

7. Total Villages 3868 20118

8. Towns 9 57

9. Municipal

Committees/Corporations 4 21

10. Nagar Panchayats 3 24

Source: District Statistical office Kangra District at Dharamshala

4.2.3 Physiography

Kangra district comprises of four distinct regions viz. High hills Wet sub-

temperate region, Valley region, Chanital region and Shiwalik foot-hill

region, based on topography, precipitation, irrigation facilities, soil and

Plate 4.2 Map of Kangra District



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temperature etc. Bara Bhangal and Chhota Bhangal area in Pir Panjal

ranges constitute the wet sub-temperate hilly region which initiates from

the inter district boundaries of Kullu, Chamba and Mandi on the northern

most end of the district.

4.2.4 Soils

The soils are mainly ochrepts, which are shallow, black, brown, and alluvial.

Only in northeastern extreme of this region, Udalfs soils are found which are

high base status soils of humid region. Geographical structure of district is

formed mainly by alluvium, Shiwalik, Murree series, Julogh group and

granites. Scattered patches of the forests are seen on the slopes of hills lying

mostly in the central part of the district. Population in the district is mainly

confined to the plain areas and riverbanks. The drainage pattern of the

district is mainly formed by the Beas River.

On the basis of Geology, soil forest and climatic condition of the district

have further been divided into five sub micro-regions viz. Pir Panjal,

Dhauladhar, Kangra Valley, Kangra Shiwalik and Bias Basin. Pir Panjal

region is constituted of north east extreme of the district. Glaciers like Shah,

Sili, Laluni, Bhadal, Kuru, Tantgair and Raighar are the main physical

features of this region. The soils of Kangra and Nurpur valley are light

textured having neutral pH with good fertility status. The soils of Changar

region are coarse textured pebble embedded shallow soils with low water

holding capacity, undulating / steep topography and poor fertility status.

The soils of Shiwalik foothill region are light textured well drained with poor

fertility status. Beas Basin soils are deep alluvial silty loam with neutral pH

and high fertility status.

4.2.5 Relief

Slope and aspect of an area are vital parameters that decide the land use

pattern of the area and vegetation. Slope is also very important while



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determining the suitability of land for irrigation, land use capability and has

direct bearing on the runoff, recharge capability of land. Magnitude and

direction of slopes developed in the district are the net results of tectonic

activities and drainage patterns prevailed in the area over the years. The

slope in the district varies from almost flat to highly steep.

4.2.6 Land Use

Kangra district has a varying type of physiography and climatic conditions

favourable for various types of land use and cropping patterns. The total

geographical area of 5.74 Lakh hectares comprising of 1.21 Lakh hectares

net sown area. The total cultivated area of the district is 2.12 Lakh hectares.

Forests comprise of 2.33 Lakh hectare area where culturable waste and

fallows constitute 0.68 Lakh hectares. Fractionation of total geographical

area under different land use has been as under:

Table 4.2 Land Use Pattern in Kangra, 2002-03 (‘000 ha)

PARTICULARS KANGRA HIMACHAL PRADESH

Total Geographical Area 573.9 5567.3

Forests 232.1 (40.16) 1099.4 (24.20)

Barren & unculturable land 18.0 (3.11) 806.3 (17.75)

Land put to Non-agricultural uses 77.6 (13.42) 319.2 (7.03)

Other uncultivable land 122.6 (21.21) 1698.2 (37.38)

Culturable waste 27.4 (4.74) 122.2 (2.69)

Pastures 87.5 (15.14) 1518.0 (33.41)

Land under Misc. Tree Crops 7.7 (1.33) 58.0 (1.28)

Fallow Lands 11.0 (1.90) 75.4 (1.66)

Net Sown Area 116.7 (20.19) 544.6 (11.99)

Total Cropped area 216.0 (37.37) 945.2 (20.21)

Cropping Intensity (%) 185 174


4.2.7 Drainage

Larger parts of district Kangra fall within the drainage basins of Beas and

Chakki rivers with little area under river Ravi. The drainage system in the



157

northern and eastern part includes Uhal, Binwa, Awa, Neugal, Baner and

Khauli Khads all of which drain into river Beas. On the western end, the

drainage system includes Chakki, Dehari khads and again drains into river

Beas. On the extreme northeastern part Ravi river also drains a limited

areas.

4.2.8 Climate

Kangra district is having a topography that some of the parts like Milawan

at 400 m altitude, while area of Bara Bhangal are at the altitude of 5500 m.

The agro-ecological situation varies from sub-tropical to wet / dry temperate

regions. The monsoon rains are heavy and well distributed and 70 per cent

of the total annual rainfall is received from July-September. The high hills

of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal receive heavy snow in winter. The Indora

block of Kangra district falls in sub-humid sub-tropical zone where annual

precipitation works out about 1000 mm and mean temperature of about

24°C, Dehragopipur and Nurpur blocks fall under humid sub-tropical zone

where the annual rainfall is between 900-2350 mm and mean temperature

about 20° to 24°C. Palampur and Dharamsala fall under wet temperate

zone where the temperature ranges from 15° to 19°C and annual rainfall is

about 2500 mm. Other parts of the Kangra district fall under hill area where

the mean annual temperature varies from 13° to 20°C and annual rainfall is

1800- 3000 mm. Kangra district comprises of diverse area ranging from Pir

Panjal mountains to the low foothills in Shiwalik ranges with climatic

variations from temperate to subtropical. The tract is one of the most fragile

ecosystems. This tract supports and provides habitat for various kinds of

flora and fauna. The tract suffers from erosion, scarcity of water and poor

socio-economic infrastructural problems. The deterioration of natural

resources can be minimized and sustainable development is possible only by

adopting a holistic approach with active participation of inhabitants.



158

4.2.9 Demographic

4.2.9.1 Population

As per the census - 2001, the total population of the district was 13,39,030

(22.01)with male and female population of 6,61,254 and 6,77,776

respectively. This population resided in 2,72,487 households. The total SC

population of the district was 2,79,540 with a split up of male and female

1,41,728 and 1,37,812 respectively. The ST population of the district was

1,597 which included 1,317 male and 280 female. Thus SCs constituted 20.9

per cent and STs constituted 0.14 percent of the population in the district.

This population lived in 3,619 villages located in 763 Gram Panchayats.

31% of the total population is below poverty line. As per 2001 census there

were literate (9,40,505) persons in the district, which accounted for 75.0% of

the total population.

Table 4.3 Demographic Profile of District Kangra, 2001

PARTICULARS KANGRA HIMACHAL PRADESH

Geographical Area (sq km) 5,739 (10.31) 55,673

Total population (2001) 13,39,030 (22.01) 60,77,900

Rural Population 12,66,745 (94.60) 54,82,319 (90.8)

SC Population 2,79,540 (18.61) 15,02,170

ST Population 1,597 (0.65) 2,44,587

Total Households 2,72,487 (22.31) 12,21,589

Population Density (Persons/sq km) 233 109

Sex Ratio (Females/1000 males) 1,025 968

Literacy (%) 80.1 76.5

Female Literacy (%) 73 67.4

Average Population per village 350 313

Major Religions Hindus, Sikhs and a

number of Muslims also.

Languages Spoken Pahari (Kangri), Punjabi,

Hindi

Culture Traditional and Pahari


4.2.9.2 Socio - Economic Structure

District economy is primarily agrarian with primary sector accounting for a

third of GDDP. As against the state figure of 12 %, the area under plough in



159

the district is 20%. Nearly 90 % of the cultivated area is devoted to

foodgrains (wheat, maize and paddy). Also known for tea cultivation.

Livestock population of 8.85 lakhs consists mainly of cattle, goats, buffalo,

and sheep. Poultry is an important component of livestock.

4.2.10 Forests

The forest of district Kangra consists of district types of vegetation right

from scrub forest at low elevation to Alpine pastures at higher altitude, in

between inter speared are the forests of chir, ban oak mixed conifers (kail,

spruce and fur) and kharsu oak forests. Forest area of 2,76,840 hectares

(1999-2000) can be further classified into seven main groups.

Table 4.4 Types of forests available in District Kangra

S.No. Type of Forests Elevation (mts.

a.s.1.) 1 Miscellaneous Scrub forest (Khair Kachnar Siris etc.) 600-1200

2 Chir forests 800-1700

3 Ban oak forests 1600-2300

4 Deodar forest (Dharamkot and Mcleodganj area) 2000-2500

5 Mixed conifers 2100-3000

6 Kharsu oak forest (Kharsu oak and Rhododendron) 2300-3800

7 Alpine scrub and alpine pastures Above 3800

Source: Department of Forest at Dharamshala

Further these forests can be classified into six classes based on management

practices and area under each class is as under:

Table 4.5 Area under different classes of forests (ha) in District Kangra.

Sr. No. Class of Forests Area (hee.)

1 Reserved forests 7415

2 Demarcated protected forests 54754

3 Undemarcated protected forests 1,65,220

4 Unclassed forests 44,295

5 Private forests managed u Is 38 ofIFA 985

6 Forest managed under LPA 4,171

Total 2,76,840




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4.2.11 Floristic of Kangra District

The various trees, shrubs, climbers grasses and medicinal/aromative plants

adapt to the area are as under:

Table 4.6 Trees of Kangra District

Sr. No. Botanical name Common name

1. Abies webbiana Rai

2. Abies webbiana Silver fir

3. AcaCia arabica Kikar

4. Acacia catetchu Khair

5. Accacia modesta Phu1ai

6. Acer caesium Maple

7. Aegle marmelos Bael

8. Aesculus indica Chestnut

9. Albizzia lebbek Sarin

10. Albizzia stipulata Oei

11. Anoglissus latifolia Dhavda/chbal

12. Arudinaris falcota Narga1

13. Azadirechta indica Neem

14. Bauhinia purpurea Ornamental Kachnar

15. Bauhinia vahli Tor

16. Bauhinia vahlii Tor

17. Bauhinia variegata Kachnar/Kara1

18. Bessia laifolia Mara

19. Betula utilis BhurJ

20. Betula utilis Bhurj

21. Bombax malabarioum Simba1

22. Bussia latifolia Mahwa

23. Butea monosperma Dhak, Plash

24. Cassiafistula Amalta

25. Cedrus deodara Deodar

26. Cedrus libanivar deodara Deodar

27. Celtis australis Khirk

28. Ceolrela toona Tuni

29. Cordia dicholama Lassura

30. Cordia macleodi Lassura/Kuhman

31. Cordia vestita Lassuri

32. Cupressus torulosa Sara

33. Dalbergia sissoo Sheesham, Tah1i

34. Dendrocalamus shictus MaggowBans



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35. Diospyross tomentosa Kinnu

36. Ehretia acuminata Puna

37. Ehretia laevis Puna

38. Eucalyptus citriodora Safeda

39. Ficus bengalensis Bar, Bargad

40. Ficus carica Daugla, Fegra,fy

41. Ficus glomerata Rumbal

42. Ficus glomerata Rambel

43. Ficus hemoralis Doodhla

44. Ficus pslmata Dhoora

45. Ficus religiosa Peepal

46. Ficus roxburghu Trema1

47. Flacourita ramintklu Kangoo

48. Gewia opppositifolia Biu1

49. Grewia elashia varnvestits Pha1sa

50. Jacoranda ovalifolia Jacranda

51. Jatropha curcas Jablota

52. Juglans regia Khor, Akhrot

53. Juniperus macropoda Shupa / shur

54. Lagers troemia Har Singar

55. Magnifera indica Amb,Am

56. Mallotus phillippinensis Kamil

57. Melia azedrach Darek

58. Moringa oleifera Soenjna

59. Morus alba Toot

60. Morus indica Siatoot

61. Nerium odorun Ghaneera

62. Odina wodier Kembal

63. Olea cuspidata Kahoo

64. Oroxylum indicum Tat Palanga

65. Phyllanthus emblica Aon1a

66. Picea sminthiana Tosh

67. Picea smithiana Tosh

68. Pinus pongifolia Chee1

69. Pinus wallichiana Kai1

70. Populus ciliata Poplar

71. Prunus armeniaca Apricot

72. Punica granatum Dam

73. Putranjiva roxburghii Patajan

74. Pyrus lanata Toony

75. Pyrus pashia Kainth

76. Quercus dilatata Mohru Oak



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77. Quercus glauca Holly Hock (Banni)

78. Quercus incana Ban Oak

79. Quercus semicarpifolia Kharm Oak

80. Rhododendoon arboreum Brah

81. Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia

82. Rohdodendron arboreum BraslBrah

83. Salmalia malabericum Simble

84. Sapindus mukorossi Reetha

85. Shorea robusta Sa1

86. Shorea robusta Sal

87. Staphylea emodi Magdaum

88. Syzygium cumini Eugenis jambolane Jamun

89. Terminalia arjuna Arjun

90. Terminalia belerica Bahera

91. Terminalia chebula Harar

92. Terminalia tomentosa A1san

93. Woodfordia fruiti Dhaun

94. Zanthoxylum alatum Tirmira

95. Zyzipus indica Ber


Table 4.7 Shrubs of Kangra District

Sr. No. Botanical name Comm

on

name

1. Agave americana Ram Ban

2. B. edgeworthiana Kasma1

3. Berberis lycium Kasma1

4. Camellia thea Tea

5. Cannabis sativa Hemp

6. Datura stramonium Dhatura

7. Duranta spp. Neeee1 Kanta

8. Jasminum arborescens Jasmine

9. Lantana camera BaraPhu1u

noo/Panch Phoolli

10. Litsaea chinensia Puthkanda

11. Mimosa himalayana Durghari

12. Murraya koeingii Gandha1a

13. Murraya koenigii Gandh1a

14. Ocimum sanctum Tulsi

15. R. peniculatus Pee1aAkhe

16. R. ellipticus PeelaAkhe

17. Rosa moschata Gu1abaddi



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18. Rubus biflorus La1Akha

19. Taber naemontanus coronaries Taggar

20. Urtica dioica Bichhoooti

21. Vitex nigundu Banna

22. Zizyphus mauritiana Ber


Table 4.8 Grasses of Kangra District

Sr. No. Botanical name Common Name

1. Bothriochloa pertusa Makora

2. Brachiaria mutica Para grass

3. Chrysopogon montanus Dholoo

4. Cynodone dactylon Khabbal, Doob

5. Eulaliopsis binata Baggar, Bhabhew Grass

6. Hetropogon contortus Lamloo

7. Plantago tibetica Isabgol

8. Thameda authera Lunji


Table 4.9 Medicinal / Aromatic herbs

Sr.

No. Botanical name Common Name

1. Aconitum haterophyllum Patis

2. Berberis aristata Kasmal

3. Cannabis sativa Bhang

4. Discorea deltoidea Shinghli mingli

5. Gentiana karoo Karoo

6. Jurenea macrocephela Dhup

7. Podophyllum emodii Ban kakri

8. Rhododendron companulatum Kashmiri Patha

9. Rosa macrophylla Wild rose

10. Thymus serphyllum Ban ajwain

11. Valeriana wallichii Mushkbala

12. Viole canascence Banaksha


4.2.12 Wildlife:

Kangra is full of various types of wildlife creatures, however, their density

has declined to a greater extent due to the human interferences. Wildlife



164

conservation department has played a vital role in maintaining a sizeable

number of even those spices which were being expected to be extinct.

Existing wildlife animals and birds are as under:

Table 4.10 List of Mammals in Kangra district

Sr. No. Scientific Name English Name Local Name

1 Felis bengalensis Leapard Cat Mirag, Bagh

2 Felis Chane Jungle Cat Jangli Billi

3 Muntucus muntisk Barking Dear Kakkar

4 Vaulpes bengalensis Fox Lomari, F ohiki

5 Camis au reus Jackal Gidder

6 Macaca mulatta Ressus monkey Lal Bandar

7 Preshytes entellus Languor common Languor

8 Sus sacrofa Boar Suar

9 Hystrix indica Porcupine Sehl

10 Lepus nigricoilis Hare Khargosh,Sehru,

farm 11 Moschus moschifarus Musk deer Kastura

12 Capra ibex Ibex

13 Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar Thar

14 Selenarctos thebatanus Black Bear

15 Ursus arctos Brown Bear

16 Panthera unica Snow leopard

17 Sus scrofa Wild Boar

19 Cervus unicolor Samber

20 Hylopetes fimbriatus Flying squirrel

21 Panthera pardus Leopard Cheetah

22 Felischaus Jungle cat

23 Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Indian Civet Sakralu

24 Hipposideros armiger The great

Himalayan

Leafnosed Bat

Chamgadar

25. Paguma larvata Himalayan Palm

Civet


Table 4.11 List of birds found in the Kangra district:

SI. No. Scientific Name English Name Local Name

1. Milvus migrants Vulture Cheel, Gidh, Eell

2. Eudynamys scolopacca Koe1 Koe1

3. Columbia livia Pigeon Kabuttar

4. Coracias bengalensis Blue jay Ni1kantha



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5. Colums livia Hawk Baj

6. Francolius francolinus Black partridge Kala Tittar

7. Francolius pondicerians Grey partridge Safed Tittar

8. Payo criss latus Peacock Mor

9. Coturnix colurnix Common quail Bater

10. Alectoris graeca Chakor Chakor

11. Crovus splendens Crow Kanwa

12. Prottacula Karneri Parrot Totta

13. Lophophorus impejanus Mona1 Mona1 / Karadi

14. Tertaogallus

himalayanensis Snow cock

15.

16. Tragopan

melanocephalus

Western homed

Tragopan Phu1gar / Jujurana

17.

18. Picoides macei

Fu1vourbreasted Pied

Woodpecker Kathfowra

19.

20. Streptopelia decaocto Ring dove Gughi

21. Streptopelia chinesis Spotted dove Gughi

22. Accipiter badius Shikra

23. Aquila rapax vindhian Tawny eagle

24. Ducula bicolor Green Pigeon

25. Parus rufonuchalis Tits

26. Picus canus Blacknaped

Woodpecker Woodpecker

27. Muscicapa subrubra Himalayan Fly Catcher

28. Acidotheres tristis Common Myna Ghatari

29. Terpsiphone paradisi Paradise flycatcher Choti-pinja

30. Grus spp. Cranes

31. Grus antigone Sarus Crane Saras

32. Passer domesticus House sparrow


4.3 PRAGPUR BLOCK:

The Kangra district is divided in fourteen developmental blocks, viz.

Baijnath, Bhawarna, Lambagaon, Panchrukhi, Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan,

Rait, Dehra, Pragpur, Nagrota Surian, Nurpur, Indora, Fatehpur and

Sulah at Bhedoo Mahadev.

4.3.1 Access to the site:

Pragpur is accessible in the following ways:

By air : Gagal (Kangra) and Chandigarh.



166

By road to :Delhi-425 km, Shimla-220km, Amritsar-200km,

Dharmshala-60km, Manali-230km,Chandigarh-175km.

Route from Chandigarh:

NH-21 to Kiratpur via Rupnagar; State highway to Amb via

Anadpur Sahib and Una from here Pragpur is a 27- km drive via

Kaloha.

Route from state capital Shimla:

It is a picturesque 220 Km drive from state capital Shimla on a

magnificent Highway via Ghaggas, bypassing Bilaspur and on to

Kaloha via Hamirpur and Nadaun.

4.3.2 Physical Data of Pragpur Block:

Area : 416 sq km

No of house holds : 18198

Population : 96061

No of Panchayats : 73

Families Living Below Poverty Line : 4585 (25%) as per census

2001.

Table 4.12 Block wise information of District Kangra: 2001 census

S.

No. Name of Block

Area in Sq.

kms

No of House

Holds

Population

Male Female Total

1 Nurpur 706 27889 87669 85535 173204

2 lndora 605 20185 59647 55890 115537

3 Nagrota Surian 175 8293 22638 23811 46449

4 Pragpur 416 18198 47052 49009 96061

5 Baijnath 1298 14380 35714 36948 72662

6 Panchrukhi 345 20581 51028 52800 103828

7 Bhawarna 197 14218 34097 37600 71697

8 Lamba Gaon 226 14294 31126 37618 68744

9 Rait 466 17840 56064 55758 111822

10 Nagrota Bagwan 260 14024 46267 47804 94071

11 Dehra 713 17401 53612 54944 108556

12 Kangra 340 18232 55107 56334 111441

Total 5747 205535 58002 594051 1174072




167

Figure 4.1 Area of Kangra District (Sq.km) Blockwise: 2001

Figure 4.2 No. of Households Kangra District Blockwise: 2001

Nurpur

lndora

Nagrota Surian

Pragpur

Baijnath

Panchrukhi

Bhawarna

Lamba Gaon

Rait

Nagrota Bagwan

Dehra

Kangra

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000

Nurpur

lndora

Nagrota Surian

Pragpur

Baijnath

Panchrukhi

Bhawarna

Lamba Gaon

Rait

Nagrota Bagwan

Dehra

Kangra



168

Figure 4.3 Male Female Population Kangra District Blockwise: 2001

Table 4.13 Blockwise number of Panchayats, total families, families living below poverty

line and number of backwards panchayats: 2001 census

S.

No.

Name of the

Block

No. of

Panchayats

No. of

Total

Families

Families living

below Poverty Line

(%).

Backward

Panchayats

1. Baijnath 51 14,380 5,291 (37%) 9

2. Bhawama 57 14,218 4,053 (29%) 1

3. Lambagaon 52 14,294 4,128 (29%) 2

4. Panchrukhi 68 20,581 8,099 (39%) -

5. Kangra 64 18,232 5,594 (31 %) -

6. Nagrota Bagwan 51 14,024 4,906 (35%) 1

7. Rait 56 17,840 6,053 (34%) -

8. Debra 60 17,401 6,090 (35%) 1

9. Pragpur 73 18,198 4,585 (25%) -

10. Nagrota Surian 48 13,784 4,502 (33%) 1

11. Nurpur 47 14,582 3,118 (21 %) 2

12. Indora 46 13,882 3,272 (24%) -

13. Fatehpur 48 14,119 4281 (30%) -

Total 721 2,05,535 63,972 (31 %) 17


0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000

Nurpur

lndora

Nagrota Surian

Pragpur

Baijnath

Panchrukhi

Bhawarna

Lamba Gaon

Rait

Nagrota Bagwan

Dehra

Kangra

Population Female Population Male



169

Table 4.14 Blockwise information of workers in district Kangra: 2001 census

Name of

the Block

Main Worker Cultivators Agricultural

Labourers

Workers: Live

stock, Forestry,

Fishing etc.

Workers : Mining

& Quarrying

Workers: Mar.

&Processing in

Household Ind.

Workers: Maf. &

Processing

Other than H.H.I.

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Nurpur 38458 2817 41275 21471 1841 23312 2195 57 2252 944 43 987 5 0 5 961 71 1032 1617 161 1778

Indora 30082 2399 32481 14018 1291 15309 3442 151 3593 755 89 844 3 0 3 755 1IS 870 2201 223 2424

Nagrota

Surian 9119 1061 10180 4458 823 5281 567 30 597 376 2 378 5 0 5 238 17 255 326 12 338

Pragpur 22202 6339 28541 11021 5204 16225 1205 112 1317 615 21 636 16 0 16 653 191 844 1097 52 1149

Baijnath 15089 5981 21070 6474 4696 11170 1142 389 1531 669 44 713 28 9 37 415 120 535 560 146 706

Panchru

khi 21330 6305 27635 7699 4519 12218 2063 596 2659 812 78 890 14 1 IS 466 9S 561 753 51 804

Bhawama 14296 5225 19521 5852 4339 10191 1107 277 1384 436 48 484 3 0 3 378 69 447 580 21 601

Lamba

gaon 11570 3300 14870 5413 2692 8105 693 78 771 139 19 158 4 0 4 208 50 258 438 30 468

Rail 20313 S099 25412 9410 3985 13395 1486 161 1647 410 19 429 1I2 0 1I2 588 114 702 646 55 701

Nagrota

Bagwan 17789 6722 24511 9457 6134 15591 1177 139 1316 389 13 402 118 0 118 457 96 553 546 23 S69

Dehra 22756 9511 32267 13413 8885 22298 558 76 634 607 47 654 22 0 22 538 110 648 957 35 992

Kangra 22822 6501 29323 10389 5535 15924 1040 110 1150 366 11 377 1265 1 1266 S22 121 643 847 58 905

Total 2458 612 3070 1190 499 1690 166 2176 188 6518 434 6952 1595 11 1606 6179 1169 7348 10568 867 11435




170

Table 4.15 Landuse Pattern (Tehsilwise): 2003-04


Name of

Tehsil

Total

Geograph

ical

Area

(hac)

Forests

Barren

and

Un cult

urable

Land

Land

put to

Non-Agri.

Uses

Permanent

Pastures

and Other

Grazing

Land

Land

under

Misses

trees

Cultur

able

Waste

Other

Fallow

Land

Current

Fallow

Net

Area

Sown

Area

Sown

More

Than

Once

Total

Cropped

Area

Dharamsala 35093 24462 1919 1601 958 287 620 0 151 5095 4472 9567

Jaisinghpur 20730 1865 475 2991 3889 0 6107 0 84 5319 3725 9044

Dheera 9131 3165 1475 0 2328 0 0 0 173 1990 1796 3786

Rakkar 11395 2335 90 1355 3886 0 1149 22 224 2334 2211 4545

Indora 30163 5144 1195 5070 3819 134 1990 13 2229 10569 9046 19615

Harchakian 7252 4160 827 467 308 0 34 0 82 1374 1171 2545

Jawali 30377 13231 2855 2563 1054 0 1210 0 397 9067 8317 17384

Fatehpur 28558 4924 3506 6668 2684 1641 691 0 60 8384 5822 14206

Baroh 13347 5885 0 813 2892 0 1154 0 197 2406 2167 4573

Nurpur 53839 18603 3295 5517 2462 940 3717 29 2150 17526 16109 33635

Jaswan 17205 6163 1602 1812 3951 0 0 0 308 3369 3082 6451

Khundian 19014 5654 0 1419 5149 730 2558 30 380 4094 3592 7686

Debra 72337 11726 252 33096 3449 7116 2926 137 1032 12603 11363 23966

Baijnath 130293 71751 4434 2372 1403 41657 400 870 0 7406 4991 12397

Palampur 46638 19360 3845 4762 3507 7 1494 2 29 13632 10246 23878

Kangra 27503 9007 1506 3067 2647 1807 672 0 342 8455 5881 18336

Shahpur 24903 15186 831 1719 855 10 816 0 51 5435 3922 9427

Total 577778 222621 28107 75292 45241 54329 25538 1103 7889 119058 97913 221041



171

4.4 PRAGPUR VILLAGE:

The Paragpur is located at an elevation of 2000 feet (550M) above sea level,

it falls in the Kangra district of the Himachal Pradesh.The heritage village

Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra valley. With its equitable

climate, easy access, safe passage and rich flora and fauna, Pragpur and its

surroundings offers an ideal location for Eco tourism.

Source: Archeological Survey of India, Shimla

4.4.1 Climate

Pragpur is the most welcoming between the months of March to October.

However, it can be enjoyed throughout the year. Between March to

October, the climate is warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging from

14°C to 28°C. Winters (November to February) tend to be very cold with

temperatures reaching to 4°C -12°C Pragpur.

4.4.2 Rainfall - below 1000 mm

4.4.3 Tourism:

The 95% of the visitors visiting Pragpur are the pleasure seeking tourists,

who visit the area for its scenic beauty, flora, fauna & Heritage village. The

share of foreign tourist is almost equal as domestic tourists. There are less

than 1% of tourist visiting the Dhauladhar circuit visit Pragpur. All the

Plate 4.3 Pragpur Village



172

settlements along the road and the town witness lots of activities. Due to

this the demand for infrastructure has increased. It has resulted in the

widening of the roads and more parking spaces, resulting in the degradation

of the environment.

Table 4.16 Number of Tourists visiting Kangra District & Pragpur: yearwise

KANGRA PRAGPUR

Year Indian Foreigner Indian Foreigner

2005 1080520 4023 3300 2535

2006 1133314 47412 9011 7000

2007 1245088 60377 14728 7231

2008 1275155 70819 16532 7763

Source: Department of Tourism, Govt of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla

Flow Chart 4.1 Tourism and its impacts

Increase in transportation infrastructure blasting of hills change in the natural drainage pattern change in the geological strata-aquifers no recharge of the ground water

TOURISM INCREASE IN THE POPULATION There is a constant growth in the existing resident population coupled with the floating population of the tourist

PRESSURE OF URBANIZATION The increasing population have growing demands which put pressure of urbanization on several areas.

CHANGE IN CULTURAL PATTERNS The inherent culture of the people living in these areas undergo a drastic change. The improved technological developments and the systems based on it consume lot of energy and natural resources.

CHANGE IN BUILT VOCABULARY The construction activities are not in relation with the traditional, cultural and heritage of the town.

Scarcity of land for increasing demand of development. Clearing of forest. Change in the hydrological cycle and climate. Degradation in flora and fauna

Increasing pollution Air pollution Water pollution Noise pollution

Socio cultural changes Changes in customs and traditions

Change in traditional occupational patterns Changes in landuse Land degradation

Loss of traditional techniques of construction Exploitation of natural resource for construction material

Source: www.hpplanning.nic.in



173

Figure 4.4 Tourists visiting Kangra District yearwise

Figure 4.5 Tourist visiting Pragpur yearwise

4.4.4 Accommodation:

At present the Pragpur has very less bed capacity to cater to the

tourist of the area. The area has only one good hotel that is Judges

Court which is in the Heritage Zone of the Village. The bed night

spent is less than one ie tourist do not prefer to spent their night at

Pragpur. There are 10 Families who have opted under Home Stay

with 32 bed capacity. These accommodation are preferred by the

foreign tourists.

0

200000

400000

600000

800000

1000000

1200000

1400000

2005 2006 2007 2008

KANGRA Indian KANGRA Foreigner

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

2005 2006 2007 2008

PRAGPUR Indian PRAGPUR Foreigner



174

Table 4.17 No. of Guest House, Restaurants, No. of Rooms. Bed Capacity etc at Kangra

& Pragpur: 2008

District

No. of

Hotels/guest

houses

No. of

Restaurants

No. of Rooms Bed

Capacity

Travel

Agencies

Photogr

aphers

Tourist

Guides

SBR DBR DOR HS

Kangra 255 95 183 2105 44 74 4948 77 22 26

Pragpur 36 9 32 218 4 32 527 5 1 9

4.5 PRAGPUR VILLAGE: Heritage Zone

4.5.1 Demographical Data:

4.5.1.1 Total area - 220 hectares

4.5.1.2 No. of houses - 354

4.5.1.3 Religion - Hindu

4.5.1.4 Languages - Kangri and Hindi

4.5.1.5 Total population - 1600

4.5.1.6 Occupation - Agriculture and Merchandising

4.5.1.7 Topography: the terrain is undulating with a level difference of 40

mts (from 542 to 582 mts) Ground water table is still not traceable

up to 300 ft.

4.5.2 History:

In the early 19th century, following a wearisome war with the Gurkhas, the

hill rulers of the Kangra area were considerably weakened. The wily Sikh

ruler of Punjab, Ranjit Singh extended his domination to include the hill

states and for the next 20 years or so the Kangra hills including the area

around Pragpur were under the Sikhs. However within 10 years of the death

of Ranjit Singh his state was annexed in 1946 into the British Empire whose

rule again brought peace and prosperity.

The soods who had established Pragpur saw the opportunities that existed

for them when the British chose Shimla as their summer capital. They went



175

there to set up business, entered government service and in large numbers

joined the armed forces. They amassed wealth and it is authentically

recorded that at one time more than half of Shimla belong to soods of the

Kangra valley. In those days Shimla was the showcase of the British Raj.

The only way that an Indian could show back home that he had indeed

arrived was top build monuments, villas and bungalows in his local village,

which for the soods were Garli and Pragpur. Thus in both these villages

exist magnificent houses built in the style of Anglo Indian architecture.

When it was founded Pragpur was a small habitation around a natural ditch

or tank. This tank provided water for cattle and washing but could not be

used for drinking purposes. Drinking water was fetched from a well at Naleti

of about a kilometer. When the soods founded Pragpur they laid it out like a

mini India. Separate areas were provided for different communities. Thus

areas were earmarked for carpenters, masons, weavers etc. the silversmiths

were given a separate courtyard and various soods clans were allotted

distinct areas where each clan set up its habitation. These divisions are more

or less continuing till date. The management of the affairs of Pragpur was in

the charge of a supreme council known as “Sood Bhaichara” In the year

1881 there was terrible drought. It was decided that the water storage

facilities in Pragpur needed to be enhanced. In the year 1882 at a place

called Buliana, a few kms. from Pragpur underground water was found. The

soods tapped this water and brought it to Pragpur in hollow pipes made

from the Simbal tree. The Sood Bhaichara appointed another committee to

execute the work of improving the water tank. The water tank thus became

the center of Pragpur and is now a beautiful ornament of the village.

Heritage villages of Garli and Pragpur are ideally suited to explore Kangra

valley. These area has several streams that drain into river Beas with its

suitable climate, easy access, safe passage, rich flora and fauna and treasure



176

of architecture. Pragpur and its surroundings offer an ideal location to

explore new horizon. The Dhauladhar mountain range raised behind this

picture of pastrol perfection and needy frames it with tall peaks that are

draped with snow for the better part of the year.

Source: Primary Survey

4.5.2.1 Recognition as Heritage Village By a notification dated 9th

December 1997 the state Government has classified Pragpur as a

“Heritage Zone”. Heritage village Pragpur is ideal for Rural &

Eco tourism and is being promoted as an example of community

involvement in tourism. The core area of Pragpur is a notified

“Heritage Village“. This makes it perhaps the only village in India

with such distinction.

Encouraged by the success of tourism and involvement of the

local population, Govt. declared the creation of SADA (Special

Area Development Authority) for improving the infrastructure in

the area in the field of tourism.

4.5.2.2 The main objectives of declaring the village as Heritage zone are:

To determine the rate and direction of permitted change in the

historic environment of Pragpur.

Plate 4.4 Heritage zone Pragpur Village



177

To provide with better living conditions for the local communities.

Pragpur has unique cultural as well as natural resources; these are

under some pressure and may be destroyed due to the unplanned

tourism, and urban development if not planned sensitively.

There is a need to address all the issues of infrastructure

development, provision of basic facilities, economic sustainability

and visitor management.

Because of the Pragpur historical and cultural associations, as well

as its tourism potential there is a strong interest among the local

administration in addressing some of its social, physical and

economic problems.

The conservation focus in terms of the repair and restoration

historic building would be used to improve social services.

Financing the restoration and rehabilitation of historic building

for schools and community-based activity may address issues of

using existing with minimum interventions.

4.5.3 Mode of living & Life style of people:

People of Pragpur have maintained their life style according to the olden

systems of living. In Pragpur people live in different areas according to

castes. Although Pragpur has not been untouched by the modern influence

of the society but still they have maintained their culture and customs

really well. As it is known that different castes have their different life style

of living, and it is obvious that lifestyle of the people of Pragpur is closely

associated with the main occupation i.e. businesses which they own in

Pragpur market. As Soods are one of the most influential communities in

Pragpur, they own most of the businesses of Pragpur. Generally male adults

go to there shops in the morning and they spend their whole day in shops &



178

women folks take care of the houses. Women have the village committee

known as the Mahila Mandal. At times senior citizens also help in

businesses. Pond and its surroundings always remains a center of activity

for all groups. Especially senior citizens find it a nice place to discuss their

never ending tales. Children attend their schools and colleges in the vicinity

and in the evening they gather in the pond area or in playfield areas. Senior

citizens also take care of the kids whiles women are doing their household

works.

4.5.4 Occupation

The major occupation of the people of the Pragpur is farming. So, for

most of the people day starts in the fields. They work in the fields

according to the seasons.

Third important occupation is government services. Significant numbers

of the people of Pragpur are in govt. services including women. So people

in govt. services go to their nearby job places and come back in the

evening only.

4.6 PRAGPUR – AN ARCHITECTURAL INSIGHT

Architectural character of Pragpur is one

of the finest examples of the traditional

architecture of Himachal Pradesh.

Pragpur can be cited as an example of

ancient town planning and architecture.

This settlement comes into existence about

300 years ago. Planning features and

construction techniques adopted are

highly influenced from Mughal

Architecture and colonial presence. Entire

zone of Garli and Pragpur provides a Plate 4.5 Typical Dome in

Pragpur



179

unique picture of traditional architecture.

Gothic spires, gables with

decorative and ornate

finials, can be found in the

more prominent building

at Pragpur and Garli there

are mainly elegant

havelies, mansions and

Italianate buildings that

are interspersed amongst

lovely mud plastered and slate roof houses which lie alongside streets

paved with dressed cobbled stone.

People of Pragpur have

also interested in schools,

dharamshalas and water

system. In course of time,

they settled where their

economics interest lay.

Their magnificent buildings

some decaying and

crumbling have largely remained unspoiled giving Pragpur a medieval

ambience.

At present there are different communities in Pragpur like Soods and

other working classes. Soods have strong even today in Pragpur.

4.6.1 Main Places of interest in Pragpur Heritage Zone:

4.6.1.1 The Taal

Dating before 1868 the Taal or pond forms the core of Pragpur and serves as

a recreational space for young and aged alike. It was constructed by the

Plate 4.6 Gothic Spires in Pragpur

Plate 4.7 Magnificent Buildings in dilapidated

condition



180

village brotherhood known as the Nehar committee which has record of its

meeting since 1864. This body continues to be responsible for the

maintenance for this

ancient water system.

The Taal is surrounded

by many heritage

structures –the NEHAR

BHAWAN, a drinking

water facility by the

Nehar committee;

Dhunichand Hardial Serai and Radha Krishna Mandir.

4.6.1.2 Butail Complex:

This is a unique building over

hundred years old, it was built by

Lala Buta Mal scion of the

Chujjar Sood clan. It includes six

identical apartments built for his

six sons These lie around a sunken

Plate 4.8 The Taal in Heritage Village Zone

Plate 4.10 Nehar Bhawan Plate 4.9 Radha Krishna

Mandir

Plate 4.11 Butail Complex



181

courtyard. In warm weather this courtyard is flooded with water to provide

cooling .The water for this has been brought by the Butails from the nearby

Nalsuyah Khad and provides drinking water for several villages along the

way. Butails are the predecessor of lala Gauri –Mal Butail. The whole of the

complex has two main parts, one part comprises of temple complex and

residential area and second is purely residential area; it is basically a

property of six Butail brothers. The residential complex has courtyard

planning as this was the main features of Pragpur. There are mainly two

courtyard around which various buildings have been placed. One of the

courtyard have completely residential buildings of Butail brothers and

around second courtyard there are servant quarters and stable. As this

whole property belonged to six Butail brothers, hence servant quarters and

stables have been provided accordingly. Richly decorated doorways, wooden

railings stone arches, wooden arched facades and niches etc are some of the

architectural features of the complex. The building in the complex are two

storied having approach to second from inside itself. Separate entrance has

been provided in the second courtyard for animals and servants.

4.6.1.3 Nakki:

It is one of the entrances to the heritages to the

heritage village Pragpur. Since ancient times the

Rerumal family provided water for common use the

overflow of which falls into small tanks where the

village people bathed and washed.

4.6.1.4 The Judge’s Court

Completed in 1918 this is a splendid country manor designed in Indo

European tradition. The vicinity behind this bold structure was Justice Sir

Jai Lal. It stands in 12 acres of land and is just a short walk way from the

Plate 4.12 Entrance Gate

"Nakki"



182

village core and Taal. It is

run by the owned family as

a heritage hotel. The

building is European with

touches of mughal art

blend- carved windows,

onion domes and gothic

arches. The onion shaped

domes are finished in rust

coloured stucco. Winding staircase and airy verandahs skirt the

rooms,which by no means are any less cheery, bright upholstery enlivening

the grandfathery wood. Beautiful giant chandeliers hang from the ceilings

and all corners have a Victorian fireplace.

4.6.1.5 Anganwadi complex

This name Anganwadi complex has been

given to a complex, which has been used

primarily as a residential area. The whole of

the complex gives the idea of courtyard

planning. There are mainly three buildings

placed along the three sides of an open

courtyard. All of the three buildings were

used as residential building

At present out of those three buildings two

have been abandoned and one is functioning

as a Balwadi (elementary school). All of the

three buildings represent a typical character of Pragpur. The main features

of the building includes richly decorated facades having intricate carving in

Plate 4.13 Jugde's Court

Plate 4.14 Anganwadi Complex



183

wood, vibrant Kangra painting, profusely decorated arched window and

grillwork. Materials used for construction include sun-baked bricks, lime-

mortar, locally available wood slates and marble etc.

4.7 BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES IN

PRAGPUR

Pragpur has the magic of old

world charming quaint shops,

cobbled streets, mud plastered and

slate roofed houses. Houses are

substantial, double storied with

thick walls of local stone and sun

dried mud brick in mud mortar.

Ceilings are low, and ground floor

rooms are small, with hard packed, beautifully maintained mud floors.

Thick interior walls, wooden pillars and heavy wooden beams support

the upper floor. Upper storey rooms, under the span of the pitched roof,

can be spacious. Roofs are sloping , made of local slate on wooden

framework.

Earth is used for mortar and brick-making.

As rock is also abundantly available, it has

also been chiefly used in construction. At

some places it has been used to build the

foundations, fill the plinth and to take the

walls upto the sill level. For providing

sufficient earthquake protection, heavy

wooden horizontal bands are provided in

the buildings that act as vertical

reinforcement.

Plate 4.16 Mud Plaster applied

on wall

Plate 4.15 Double Storey decorated

building



184

Mudplaster at maximum places, dry, seasoned bamboo lengths rolled

into bitumen has been used in roofing. In case of subsequent floors, the

floors are finished and also made with mud mixed with sufficient

quantity of reed or bhusa.

Wood has been chiefly used for doors and windows. The railings at

subsequent floors have been made of seasoned wood. The doors, windows

and even the railings have beautiful and magnificent carving work done

on them. The door frames have nicely carved flowering patterns, animal

figures and the geometrical patterns.

Arches have been used to support window and door lintel beams. Arches

too have been used in variety. At some places segmental arch has been

used while at other places flat arches have been used. At havelis or

Mansons arches have been used even to

span openings like verandahs or covered

balconies. Even the chajjas over the

windows have been intricately carved. In

mansions pilasters on the outer face and

columns on the inner surface have been

used.

Staircases in the buildings are made up of

wood, supported on heavy wooden beams.

Balustrades and hand-rails also have been

intricately carved. They too are made of wood. Wood used is locally

available. In some houses even wooden jaalis have been used in place of

windows. Star-shaped or hexagonal shaped openings in the jaalis present

a unique feature of the buildings.

Streets are made of cobbled stone, too, in various patterns. Similarly the

verandahs; made up of stones are in various patterns like circular, linear

Plate 4.17 Carved columns in the

verandah



185

and rectangular patterns. One main feature of the houses is that they are

based on courtyard planning, that is, rows of houses are arranged around

an open to sky courtyard. At upper floors windows reduce gradually in

size. While at some places like anganwari complex arched niches also

have been used.

4.7.1 Dwelling as a Socio-Spatial Building Block

Pragpur is a village of mohallas and gallies (streets). A mohalla consists

of dwelling units surrounded by gallies, forming socially coherent system.

The interconnecting gallies foster close community living, a

characteristic of a Pragpur culture. Rather than a mere mean of

communication, they reflect a variety of everyday human activities of

works. Recreation, commerce and informal interactions make them

public places.

The concept of house-neighborhood-settlement system is explicit in

Banaras i.e. the house can not be separated from the mohalla and the

mohalla can not be separated from the settlement, being part of socio-

spatial system.

As per the traditional modes of segmentation, there was a distribution of

various social groups across the mohallas.

1. Sood

2. Shahs

3. Madia

4. Kathiyala

5. Chaujar

6. Harijans

7. Dhimans

4.7.2 Characteristics of Dwelling Units:

Dwelling is acted as a base of cultural and public activities.

The residents reflect cultural traits of dwellings.

Each person is identified with his dwelling units.

Even mohalla names revealed characteristics unique to it.



186

Dwelling units in Pragpur developed around a distinct activity node-a

haveli, a temple, a water body or simply an open space that acted as an

integrated element orienting all public activities around it.

This nucleus developed a residential quarters or dwelling units around

itself.

The dense street pattern within mohalla defined dwelling units.

Each block consisted of plots with back to back houses.

the built form developed a built to edge character, responding to the

street in the form of, balconies, and verandahs, making close interaction

between the occupants and passerby on the streets.

4.7.3 Features of a typical dwelling unit

Pragpur is a melange of dwelling units of traditional mud plastered

houses and colonial wooden architectures. The Sun-baked houses stand

in close harmony to the wooden facades of the colonial style buildings.

All dwelling units are ornate and the

facades very interesting by themselves, are

accentuated by coloured patterns,

intricated painted motifs and further

embellished by use of decorative doors.

Most of the dwelling units have brick walls

and sloping roof of slate supporting upon

wooden members. The interiors resembles those of the princely era with

fire places and antique furniture. The profuse detailing and stuccowork

around the buildings are general features. The majority of the dwelling

units have three column arched jharokha along the exterior façade. The

old layout consist of two or three storeyed high structures with shops at

the ground level and residential area at the upper level

Plate 4.18 Dwelling Unit



187

4.8 PRAGPUR PRESENT SCENARIO

Pragpur is a home to a thousand odd people is now famous for being the

only place in India where an entire village has been deemed a heritage

village. Its architectural heritage i.e. the Sood Mansions, temples and sarais-

that are in varying stages of decay. There are total 200 old buildings in

Pragpur out of which only 17 buildings which are the main tourist

attraction are enlisted by INTACH. Majority of these buildings are in very

bad condition, because of the historical and cultural strength as well its

tourism potential there is a strong interest among the local administration

in addressing some of the issues like infrastructure development, provision

of basic facilities, economic sustainability and visitor management. In this

context, INTACH wish to act as catalyst for the cultural heritage

conservation in the village. Moreover the rich cultural heritage of this place

is suffering, because it has no outlet, the art and craft prevailing in this

region also need a showcase, whereby it can attract tourist as well as

improve the economic status of the villagers, which will stop the migration

of youth to cities.

4.9 PLACES OF IMPORTANCE AROUND PRAGPUR FOR ECO

TOURISM:

Heritage Village Pragpur is ideal for Eco Tourism and is being promoted as

an example of community involvement in tourism.

To increase the bed night spent BNS in the Pragpur area the more no of

Ecotourism sites need to be development by involving the local community.

The following surrounding site can form a Eco Tourism circuit orginating

from Pragpur so that tourists are attracted to visit Pragpur.

4.9.1 Chintpurni

It is situated 3 km distance from the Bharwain. The sacred Hindu shrine of

chitpurni is famous for the fulfilment of wishes.it is a old devi temple.



188

4.9.2 Dada Siba

Dada Siba is a sort distance beyond Chinur. It was a small principally

established by an offshoot of the Kangra ruling family, the Katochs. The

descendant of the clan calls themselves Dadwals. The capital of this

principality was loated about 5km in the interior to which the approach is

by foot only. Dada Siba has only old temple and plenty of water. On an

incline beyond the temple the raja had his palace which is largely collapsed

and destroyed owing to poor maintenance.

4.9.3 Jwalamukhi

Jwalamukhi is reached from Dehra. It is

about 22km distance from the Judge’s

court. The present temple of

Jwalamukhi is built against the side of

the ravine, just over the left from which

the gasses escape. It is plain outside in

the modern Mohammedan style of

plaster and paint, with a gilt dome and gilt pinnacles. The roof is also gilt

inside, but gilding is obscured by smoke by far the finest part of the building

is the splendid door of silver plates.

The interior of the temple consists of a square pit about 3 feet deep with a

pathway all round.

In the middle rock is slightly hollowed out about the principal fissure, and

on applying a light the gas burst into a flame.

4.9.4 Kaleshwar

Kalser is a little distance on the road to Nadaun. At the Kaloha bridge,

beyond Garli, the right fork leads back to Meri and Amb and left fork to

Nadaun.

Plate 4.19 Jwalamukhi Temple



189

Kalser is founded by Pandavas. Kalser has several temples and sanctity of

the site is considered tobe the same as Haridwar.

4.9.5 Amb

It is an old habitation. It has been mentioned in ancient Greek maps and

also in the Babae Nama. The area fall in the kingdom of the rajas of Jaswan

whose estate covered the Beas doon and extended up to Ropar. The house in

which the Jaswan family lives was originally a pavillion and has a pyramid

shaped roof. It was built specially for Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

4.9.6 Chamba Patan:

One can catch some of the

most scenic vistas of the

adjoining Beas river on a

short walk from Pragpur.

Take the many small paths

on the 5-km downhill walk

to the river and you will

arrive at the most

picturesque picnic spots in

Pragpur's surroundings –

Chamba Pattan. So strikingly romantic

is this section of the embankment that an

English couple planned for their wedding

nuptials to be held on this very strip.

Another visually pleasing walk which

will also lead you to Chamba Pattan is

the 4 km pathway from Balhar. The

Plate 4.21 Picturesque picnic spots Chamba Pattan

Plate 4.20 View from Naleti



190

other picnic spots around Pragpur, is 5 km uphill from the village hamlet

Naleti.

4.9.7 Angling

The pictureques Kangra valley has several spots that offer mahaseer river

carp. The reservoir of the Maharana Pratap Sagar right up to the town of

Dehra has good spots. Nadaun along the river Beas has some good beats,

besides Chamba Pattan near Garli (accessible from Nadaun or Jwalamukhi),

Amtar (2 km from Nadaun), Harsi Pattan (30 km from Tira Sujanpur) and

Lambagaon (15 km from Tira Sujanpur).

4.10 CONCLUSION:

The following environmental considerations for sustainable Eco Tourism are

to be taken care of:

Optimum utilization of natural resources.

Keeping the degradation of the vegetation and land to the minimum.

By conserving and stabilising the slopes.

By checking environmental hazards such as forest fires etc.

Planning out proper land use patterns.

Creating and developing the areas without neglecting the rural set up

and forests

Establishing the sustainable built up for the local people and the

tourists.

Generating the employment opportunities.

Encouraging tourism according to the carrying capacity of the area.

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