Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Jul 18: At a time when technology has changed lifestyle, a man from Ganderbal district has constructed centuries-old mud houses to revive Kashmir’s traditional and eco-friendly dwellings.
Rameez Ahmad, a resident of Soura constructed mud houses at the foothills of mountains in Kijpora Kangan in Ganderbal and threw open the huts buildings two months ago.
The aesthetically beautiful huts built from locally sourced raw materials have become an attraction spot for the locals and tourists, he adds.
“We also have a restaurant beside it, in which we have night facilities available for tourists and online bookings are also available here,” Ahmad said.
A tourist from Mumbai said that the spot is very beautifully modified as it is surrounded by forest besides a waterfall.
“We have enjoyed a lot here and it seems like we are really in paradise and request other tourists to visit here once for all,” he added.
Ahmad believes that the people of the Valley have drifted away from their cultural heritage and many of them prefer to live in cemented houses and hotels.
He said that he is not against modern life but people should always be proud of their culture and tradition.
He says that his main aim is to make everyone aware of the lost culture of Kashmir.
“There must be some difference between a hotel in Mumbai and a hotel in Kashmir. People fantasize about Hill Station and they want to experience it. From traditional thatched roofs to old doors and windows, these mud houses are equipped with every modern convenience,” he added.
Talking about how the idea came into being, he said that had owned land in the village.
He said that he is planning to construct more such huts and only three huts are constructed so far.
