Lal Draman-Crown Jewel Of Siraj

Bharat Singh Katoch
Siraj area of erstwhile District Doda is situated on the right bank of river Chenab stretching from village Kuntwara (Kishtwar) to Ramban. Siraj is bestowed with many beautiful meadows, hill stations, steep mountain peaks and streams. It has various tourist spots and religious places like Lal Draman, Dal Draman, Galla Dhar, Hashwa Dhar, Marag Dhar and Chandi Maa Top among others.
Lal Draman is a famous hill station and religious place in Siraj belt of District Doda. It is located at a distance of 25 Kms from Doda Town at an altitude of 8900 Feet.
Lal Draman is a vast plateau like field surrounded largely by lofty Deodar and Kail trees. It has remained a place of attraction for many tourists, students and players who visit this spot . Since this site was not connected by road till recent past, it could not gain much popularity. Apart from a tourist place, Lal Draman is a famous religious place as well. An old Temple of Malote Devta exists on the front side of this meadow. The idols of various Devtas are carved on flat Deodar planks covering the four sides of the temple- depicting the cultural entity of SIRAJ. Unfortunately this temple got gutted some 30 years back and the old glory of this temple vanished. Now, a new temple of the same deity has been built on this site. Keeping the old traditions alive, a village fair (Jatter) is organized every year at village Bijarni on Bhadoon Purnima. During the night a Jyoti Procession (Mashal Jaloos) is taken from Bijarni to Lal Draman, beating the Drums and the Narsingas and Parikrama of the Temple is performed. At a little distance from this Temple, there is a beautiful Mosque where Muslim brethren offer prayers.Thus, this site presents a glimpse of mixed culture of this place.
Just near the temple, there is a big pond, locally known as “SAR”. It is said that a Nag Devta dwelt in this “Sar” and its water never dries up. Now, this Sar has been repaired by the Rural Development Department changing it into an Amrit Sarovar. This Sar presents a beautiful and serene view as it is located at the centre of the field and enhances the beauty of this site.
Lal Draman could not find its proper place at the map of tourism till this time due to poor road connectivity and unavailability of drinking water. Now, the time is ripe to give proper attention to this Tourist Spot. As of now, this place is largely connected by road with only a small portion of road yet to be constructed.
The provision for providing drinking water facility to this place is in the pipe line and DPR of the same is under consideration of the Government. Electrification has been done all around the ground and few Huts have been constructed here. One Forest Rest House (Janglati Bangla) already exists here providing facility to the visitors for night stay. But some more measures are yet to be taken to enhance the beauty of this place.
Once, Lal Draman was covered with dense forest of Deodar and Kail trees. The majestic Deodar trees standing there seemed as “Guards of the Ground”. But the illegal cutting of trees, forest fires and excessive grazing over the years has turned the land surrounding the ground into barren land. A large forest area, over a period of time, has totally been denuded and the land has been brought under cultivation.
At times, forest fires also cause massive destruction in this area which leads to deterioration of the soil ecology resulting in poor quality of trees and scanty vegetation. So, keeping in view the afforestation of the area, all the forest land which turned barren due to illegal felling should be covered with the superior quality of Deodar Trees. Since, land around Lal Draman is under the control of locals, the farmers living in the surrounding areas cultivate land without taking into consideration the erosion control measures. The erosion of this area can be controlled by constructing Check Dams and placing crates in the Nallas. This would help improving the hydrological condition of the area.
Lastly, the support of local people and their contribution will go a long way to improve the beauty of this spot, tempting tourists to pay visit to this serene and salubrious meadow of Siraj area.
(The author is a former headmaster)

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