About Land Of Love And Beauty (LOLAB) in SOGAM LOLAB KUPWARA JAMMU & KASHMIR, Sogam

Lolab Valley or call it the ‘Land of Love and Beauty’ is situated in theNorth Eastern part of Kashmir with its jurisdiction beginning from Zangli Neck. It is a bowl shaped valley surrounded by lush green forests, majestic and snow capped mountains that add to the unparalleled scenic beauty and earn it the title of the ‘Land of love and beauty’.
This valley stretches 15 miles in length and 4 miles in width while the altitude varies from 1700mt. to 3262mt. It has many pasture lands and meadows which lie surrounded by a circle of towering and snow capped mountains. The predominant forest type in the valley are Conifers which runs throughout the Valley extending from Zangli to Watlab ridge.
Lush green forests of Deodar, Kail and Fir in the lap of snow coveredmountains, gargling brooks and streams present a scintillating spectacle in the sunshine and make it a ‘Must See’ place. About 72% of area is forests and is popularly known as Deodar valley.
Lolab has three valleys: Kalaroos valley, Potnai valley and the Brunaivalley. Enchanting Nagmarg meadows separate Lolab from Bandipore while Sogam is the headquarters of the Lolab region.
As per a legend popular in Lolab, Sogam, the capital of the valley, was so densely populated that a sheep, which climbed the roof of one house, situated at one end of the village, could reach the other end (Zaipora) without having to come down in between.
During the rule of Chaks, Sogam extended from Kralmiyach to Wovura while the king would be stationed at Tangchak, near Aramurang. Kalhana refers to a King, who founded the town of Lolora (Lolav) and “constructed eighty four lakh stone-buildings”. There are also references to Damaras of Kamraj, who dug up force in Lolav to avert certain defeat.
Lolab Valley has special significance and a really beautiful places includingSogam, Chandigam, Doorusa, Diver, Anderbug, Lalpore, Warnow and Kalaroos, to visit. Chandigam is one of the historic village in Lolab and is famous for its scenic beauty and is amongst the must see places.Its enchanting beauty had influenced the poetic imagination of many. Special mention about this place can be found in the works of the well-known poets. This attractive and beautiful valley full of magnificent blue prints has been praised by many poets including Dr. Allama Iqbal, who says,
"pani teray chashsmoon ka tadapta hua seemab,´
murganisahar teray fizawoon main hai beetab’’
aye wadiya Lolab.
Your springs and Lakes with water pulsating and quivering likequicksilver,
The morning birds fluttering about the sky agigitated and in turmoil,
Almighty Allah has bestowed the peoples of Lolab valley with the best natural resource- mainly the forest which have a variety of uses to humans. Just as our lungs absorb carbon dioxide from the blood and infuseit with oxygen, green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere in return. This is why forests are often referred to as Earth's lungs.
We have depended on forests as long as we have inhabited the planet for getting clean air, food, fuel wood, fodder and water fromit. Early humans were known to worship trees, and even today, in some parts of the world, forests are regarded as places of awe, with sprits attributed to be living there. Human beings have been familiar with the plants existing inthe natural environment since thepre-civilization era. They have been utilizing the services of treesas a source of food, shade, sports gear and weaponry. The inextricable relationship between the man and trees has since grown manifold.
Their respective perpetuation is mutually interdependent. Yet the man has exhibited cruelty to the silent trees by embarking on damaging practices for meeting the selfish ends of the so called development.
Islam is the moderate divine religion. It believes in the golden principle of live and let live. Man is the best creation of Almighty Allah. The Nature has appointed him as His caliph on the Planet Earth. Human beings have been empowered to make use of the natural resources for fulfilling their needs of course, not at cost of extinction of the biodiversity. Man is required to maintain congenial environment for survival of wide range of biodiversity. Whenever and wherever the humanity had deviated from showing soft corner for the plants and animals it had to face His severe wrath. Human history is replete with such examples. So sustainable forest management is the need ofan hour, which refers to the management of forests to ensure that they continue to provide not only a sound supply of renewable timber for present and future generations, but also maintain their environmental values as well.