Srinagar, Aug 11 (KNO): Aripal Naag, a fresh water spring situated at Aripal in Tral hamlet of Pulwama district is a soothing place to visit but over the years the government has given little attention to develop it.
"The water of the famous spring is crystal clear and dozens of villages drink water from it, Nawaz Ahmad a local said.
The spring in Aripal originates from Tarsar Marsar and is situated 11 kilometres away from the main town Tral. It falls on the route of Narastan, which is an alternative route to tourist destination Pahalgam.
The spring is surrounded by Wasturwan mountains with lush green forests which draws large number of people to the spot.
Nawaz said that the spring is also known for trout fish and it helps in generating good revenue to the government.
He said hundreds of people especially in summer visit the spring on daily basis to get relief from sizzling temperature but successive governments have failed to develop this breath taking site.
"People who visit here don't have the facility for a night stay, due to which people return back without spending much time here," Nawaz said.
"If it is promoted like other tourist spots, thousands of people will visit here and even will generate revenue for government as well as locals," said Junaid Ahmad, another local resident.
He said that it will also help unemployed people with new avenues of employment.
Locals demanded that government must take steps to protect this spring in priority basis.
"Government must make its embankments strong and then develop it as tourist spot so that government as well locals will benefit out of it," they said—(KNO)