Budgam district is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Budgam is one of the youngest districts of the State, carved out as it was from the previous District Srinagar in 1979. As per 2001 census, the population of this district is 6.29 lacs with density of population being 433 persons per sq. Km. Geographical Area of Budgam district is 1371 sq. km.
History of Budgam District
In the ancient days, Budgam was a fraction of district Baramulla, when Srinagar itself was a constituent of the Anantnag district. Then it was known as tehsil Sri Pratap. Historical record proposes that Budgam was also referred to as Pargana Deesu. According to a well-known chronicler, Khawaja Azam Demari, the region was also known as Deedmarbag.
Geography of Budgam District
District Budgam borders four other Districts, Baramulla and Srinagar in the north, Pulwama in the south and Poonch in the south west. It is situated at an average height of 5,281 ft above sea-level and at 75 degree E longitude and 34 degree N latitude. The topography of the district is diverse with both mountainous and plain areas. While the southern and south-western parts are mostly hilly, the eastern and northern parts of the district are plain. The climate is of the temperate type with the upper-reaches receiving heavy snowfall in winter. The average annual rainfall of the district is 585 mm. The soil is loose and mostly denuded karewas dot the landscape.
Administration of Budgam District
Comprising one sub Division Khansahib, six Tehsils Budgam, Khansahib, Beerwah Chadoora, Khag, and Charisharief, the Budgam district has been divided into eight blocks namely Budgam, Beerwah, Chadoora, Khansahib, Khag, BK Pora, Narbal and Nagam which serve as prime units of economic development. Budgam has been further sliced into 283 panchayats comprising 509 revenue villages.
Culture of Budgam District
Culture is an integral part of life of the people of Budgam district. The Budgam craftsmen have great mastery in creating household items from willow-wicker such as the ever-present small earthen fire pot, Kangri, and the prototypical baskets et al. The state government, with assist from the central government is trying to construct domestic and overseas market for Kashmiri shawl. Indigenous to Budgam, Bandpather is the most admired face of Kashmiri folk-art. Even now the bhands can be seen performing at Wathura. In a proposition to revive the age-old culture of folk music, Budgam district was in the front position in organising cultural shows in the district.
Tourism in Budgam District
Budgam district is home to some of the most interesting tourist locales where man finds himself in close communion with nature. Numerous holy places in the district make it a major pilgrimage site. The place has tremendous tourism potential that has mostly remained unexploited so far. The striking places that can be visited are Doodpather, Tosmaidan, Yousmarg, Nilnag and Khag. It is a treat to visit some of these places and the district administration is introducing a major road connectivity plan to make the region more reachable.
The only civil Airport in the valley is situated in this District which connects the valley to rest of the country. Besides it provides helicopter services to Kargil, Karnah, and Gurez.
