Parigam (Pulwama), June 14: This small hamlet here in south Kashmir, just 40 kilometers from Srinagar, which has the immense potential of being developed into a tourist destination doesn’t figure on the tourist map.
 Parigam was the resting place of Sheikh Noorudin Wali (RA) and 600-year old shrine still exists there. There is a tree which is believed to be one of the oldest trees in Kashmir. “It is believed that the tree was planted by Sheikh Noorudin Wali (RA). Despite it being one of the oldest trees it still remains green,” locals said.
 Parigam due to its natural beauty and religious importance has immense potential to become a tourist destination but it doesn’t figure on the tourist map. In fact tourism officials seem completely unaware about any such place existing. When a top official of the Tourism department was contacted at first he appeared at a loss as to whether any such place exists and finally when he managed to locate it. He said that there is no plan to develop the area.
 The shrine though an important one, historically as well as religiously, is in a pathetic condition. No repair work has been undertaken for several years.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST