The reservoir witnesses a heavy influx of visitors during Eid and other holidays, highlighting its popularity despite limited facilities. With planned investment and scientific development, LJHP Chahla has the potential to become a year-round tourist destination, attracting visitors in every season, including the picturesque winter months when snowfall transforms the landscape into a stunning natural retreat.
JS Amir
Nestled amid the picturesque mountains of Boniyar, the Lower Jhelum Hydropower Project (LJHP) reservoir at Chahla is one of Baramulla’s most scenic yet underdeveloped destinations. Surrounded by the serene waters of the Jhelum River, lush green hills and breathtaking landscapes, the site offers cool evening breezes, peaceful surroundings and a pollution-free atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and photographers throughout the year.
The 105 MW Lower Jhelum Hydropower Project, commissioned over five decades ago, is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s major hydroelectric projects. Besides generating clean and renewable electricity for the region, the balancing reservoir has evolved into a naturally beautiful waterfront with immense eco-tourism potential. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance.
Visitors have urged the authorities to develop the area into a model eco-tourism park with landscaped gardens, flowering plants, walking and cycling tracks, children’s play areas, gazebos, benches, public washrooms, safe drinking water facilities and adequate dustbins to prevent littering. Proper beautification, plantation drives, decorative lighting and regular sanitation can significantly enhance the visitor experience.
Public safety also requires immediate attention. While fencing already exists around parts of the reservoir and canal, locals have demanded its strengthening and extension to vulnerable stretches to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of children and other visitors. Improved road connectivity, dedicated parking spaces, well-designed viewpoints, CCTV surveillance, informative signboards and emergency response facilities would further encourage tourism and make the destination safer.
The reservoir witnesses a heavy influx of visitors during Eid and other holidays, highlighting its popularity despite limited facilities. With planned investment and scientific development, LJHP Chahla has the potential to become a year-round tourist destination, attracting visitors in every season, including the picturesque winter months when snowfall transforms the landscape into a stunning natural retreat.
As Boniyar is one of the relatively underdeveloped areas of Baramulla district with limited recreational destinations, developing LJHP Chahla can become a catalyst for regional growth. A well-planned tourism circuit can generate employment for local youth through homestays, cafés, handicrafts, transport services and small businesses, while promoting sustainable tourism.
The unique combination of engineering heritage, the tranquil Jhelum waterfront, majestic mountain views and rich natural surroundings gives LJHP Chahla a distinct identity that deserves recognition as one of north Kashmir’s premier eco-tourism destinations.
The writer holds an MA in Political Science and International Relations
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