Khulhama is a small village situated next to Nadihal, in Bandipora District, in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Its name is derived from Khul - stream or river, and Hama - region or village. It is located below the foot of Nadihal and includes a large wetland.

Khulhama
Village
Country India
Union TerritoryJammu and Kashmir
DistrictBandipora
Languages
 • OfficialKashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English[1][2]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationJK

Location edit

Khulhama is an island region west of Nadihal on the banks of a river called a big stream or big river. It is about 6 km from the town of Bandipore. It is separated from Nadihal by a large river and bounded by 3 water bodies; Wular Lake to the north and south, and two rivers to the east and west. Nadihal, Lankrichpora, Gundidachna and Vijhara are its neighbouring villages.

Geography edit

Its altitude is 1578 meters above sea level. Khulhama consists of two mohallas: one from main bridge downwards as far as the Jamia Masjid, and one from Masjid onwards to the new colonies on the other bank of the same river.

Economy edit

It is a densely populated region because of the easy availability of resources and food. It hosts pastures, lakes and rivers. More than half of Khulhama's area is covered with woodland. Its agriculture is poor, although rice, maize, vegetables, peanuts and beans are cultivated. The soil in Khulhama is rich in humidity, moisture, water and poor in calcium, phosphorus, iron and minerals.

Fishery edit

More than half of its people work as fishers, hunters and sand collectors around Wular lake (one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes) and other local waters. It is rich in several aquatic life forms. Fish species include Kashmiri, Russian Punjabi, Rainbow Trout and Silver Trout. About 75–90 kg of fish every day are sold in Nadihal, Vvijhara, Poora Ajas, Sumbal, Papachan, Gamroo and as far away as Srinagar and central Kashmir.

Livestock edit

Livestock including40

Village comparison estimated values, 2011-15 data (Production %)
Animal Nadihal Khulhama Vihjara Poora Papachan
Hen 40 80 37 66 23
Cock 36 78 31 62 21
Swan 14 86 19 27 11
Duck 20 90 21 34 14
Horse 0.2 5 0.1 5 0
Bull 8 60 13 16 11
Cow 22 70 21 29 18
Goat 11 33 5 53 8
Sheep 69 67 50 51 35
Buffalo 0.03 0.06 0.10 1 0.00
Donkey 62.12 0.1 0.13

Khulhama is Bandipore's leading egg producer. It also leads in the production of milk, skin and meat, aquatic birds and animals.

Religion edit

The majority of residents practice Islam. Two mosques are there.

Education edit

Western style educational facilities up to the middle school level are located within the village. Secondary education is available in Nadihal. The nearest college is in Bandipora.

Demography edit

The primary languages are Kashmiri, Hindi and Urdu.

The population of Nadihal is 3000. The literacy rate is 62%.

Culture edit

Cricket is their main sporting activity. Besides the spare timers use music as their pass time. Sofiana music Lovers listen to live Kashmiri Chakri.

References edit

  1. ^ "The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020". Rising Kashmir. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2021.