Salal Village: A Historical, Strategic, and Geological Landmark in J&K

Kesar Dass Salalia

Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir – Salal, a modest village located 18 kilometres from Reasi district headquarters along the Reasi-Arnas road, is drawing significant attention due to its exceptional historical significance, engineering marvels, spiritual heritage, and newly discovered geological wealth. Salal epitomizes a fusion of ancient legacy with modern potential, making it a key historical and developmental landmark in Jammu & Kashmir.
Reasi: The Historic Region Behind Salal’s Legacy
In 8th century, Reasi was part of the Bhimgarh principality, which was established by BhimdevRasyal,Reasi became a district in 1904, was reduced to a tehsil in 1950, and regained district status in 2007.
The Bhimgarh Fort, originally constructed in mud and later rebuilt with stone by Raja Raspal, was reinforced by Gulab Singh in 1817 under Ranjit Singh’s orders, with General Zorawar Singh supervising its construction. The region also has significant historical ties to notable figures such as Baba Banda Singh Beragi and General Zorawar Singh.
Salal, while historically a part of this vibrant region, has grown into a central figure in its own right, evolving from a strategic military outpost to a hub of spiritual and geological discovery.
Salal’s Fortified Legacy
Salal’s historical roots extend back to the 11th-12th century during the reign of Raja Raspal, who shifted his seat of power to Reasi and, consequently, to Salal. Under his leadership, Salal became home to a network of forts, including SalalBurj Fort, strategically positioned to guard the Chenab valley. These forts were integral to the defense of the region, pre-dating the Dogra dynasty. With the annexation of the region by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, Salal solidified its military importance, with fortified structures constructed to safeguard the area. The forts at Aas, Didee, Kannekeri, Himna, and Dhyangarh, along with Sirakot, were vital military and treasury hubs. This network of defensive structures played a pivotal role in Salal’s transformation from a military station to a key regional node.
Among the forts that contributed to Salal’s strategic prominence is the Batal Gala Fort, which stands as an iconic testament to the region’s military history. Located near the Batal Gala area, the fort provided a commanding view of the surrounding valley and played a crucial role in the defense of the Chenab corridor. The fort’s historical significance, along with other local strongholds, reinforces Salal’s role as a strategic military outpost for centuries.
Salal’s Sacred Pilgrimage Paths
Beyond its military legacy, Salal is entwined with rich spiritual history. Ancient oral traditions recall Salal as a key point on the pilgrimage route from Reasi through the PirPanjal range to Konsarnag Lake (known as Vishnu Paadh), a sacred Hindu site. Devotees once traversed this challenging high-altitude trail to bathe in the lake’s glacial waters and offer prayers. Today, Salal is seen as a significant cultural and religious waypoint in ancient north-western India, underscoring its dual importance in both warfare and spirituality.
Hydrological Significance and Salal Hydroelectric Project
Salal is positioned along the Chenab River, which originates from Himachal Pradesh and flows through various districts in Jammu & Kashmir before entering Pakistan. This strategic location made it ideal for the Salal Hydroelectric Project, initiated by the Government of India in 1977.
Key features of the project include:
= A rockfill dam (630m long, 118m high)
= A concrete dam (487m long, 118m high)
= Stage I (345 MW) commissioned in 1987
= Stage II (345 MW) commissioned in 1995
The project was the first hydropower initiative undertaken by India in Jammu & Kashmir under the Indus Waters Treaty regime.After reaching a bilateral agreement with Pakistan in 1978, significant design concessions were made, including reducing the dam’s height and eliminating operating pools.These modifications, while fostering bilateral cooperation, have impacted the long-term sustainability of the dam, leading to siltation issues within five years of operation.Currently, the dam operates at approximately 57% capacity factor, raising concerns about its future viability.
Engineering Marvel: The Chenab Railway Bridge
About 3 kilometres upstream of Salal village, near Baniya-su (Kerlee) at Bakkal-Kouri, stands the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, constructed by Indian Railways. This bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Completed in 2022 after overcoming severe terrain and technical challenges, the bridge rises 359 meters above the Chenab River and spans 1,315 meters in total. A successful trial run was conducted in 20 June 2024, significantly enhancing connectivity to remote areas and boosting regional mobility.It holds the title of the world’s highest railway bridge, designed to withstand seismic activity and extreme weather conditions. It is 35 m higher than Eiffel Tower – Tallest Manmade Structure of late 19th century.
Spiritual Resonance: Cultural and Natural Heritage
Salal is also known for its spiritual and natural sites:
= DevtaChenana- Revered as the guardian deity of surrounding villages
= BhimDevta, located in DamankoteChoura (Locally Revered Devta)
= Shivaji Natural Cave – Discovered on 13 Nov. 2012 on Diwali, this cave is located in KhadSalal, 7 km from Kannekeri Kotli, is rapidly gaining attention for its natural beauty and mythological significance
Lithium Discovery: Salal’s Geological Future
In a transformative development, the Geological Survey of India identified an estimated 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in the Salal-Himna area of Reasi in 2023 spreading approximately 18,913 kanals, this discovery, published in the Daily Excelsior (dated September 28, 2023 issue), marks a potential turning point for the local and national economy.
Lithium, often referred to as “white gold”, is vital to the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.
This positions Salal as a critical player in India’s green energy future.
Conclusion: Salal Village as a Multifaceted Landmark
Salal is no longer merely a village; it has evolved into a timeless confluence of history, spirituality, engineering, and modern energy potential. From fortified military pasts to spiritual pilgrimages, hydroelectric power to the lithium-rich future, Salal is poised to shape both the history and future of Jammu & Kashmir. The village stands as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and untapped potential, offering a rich tapestry of stories that span millennia.
With its historic forts, sacred caves, vital hydropower, cutting-edge infrastructure, and geological wealth, Salal Village is an indomitable part of Jammu & Kashmir’s narrative, where the past meets the future in dynamic synergy.
(The author is Retired Chief Engineer)

The post Salal Village: A Historical, Strategic, and Geological Landmark in J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior.

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