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Kalakote
Kalakote
from Wikipedia

Kalakote is a town located in Rajouri district of Jammu region in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Kalakote is noted for its coal mines and is home to the first Thermal Power Plant inNorth India.[1] Additionally, the town serves as the headquarters for various administrative entities, including a tehsil, sub-division, block, municipal committee, and constituency, all bearing the name Kalakote.[2]

Key Information

Administration

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Tehsil

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Kalakote tehsil is one of the thirteen administrative subdivisions of the Rajouri district. Its administrative headquarters are based in the town of Kalakote.[3] The tehsil is led by the Tehsildar, currently Manik Singh Rathore, who oversees the revenue department and administrative affairs in all the towns and villages under the jurisdiction of Kalakote tehsil.[4]

Sub division

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Kalakote division constitutes one of the five administrative divisions of Rajouri district in India, with its headquarters located in the town of Kalakote.[5] The division is overseen by the ADC (Additional Deputy Commissioner), currently held by Mohammad Tanwir.[6] Its primary objective is to administer and govern all the towns and villages falling under the Kalakote tehsil, striving to ensure effective and efficient governance across the region.

Block

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Kalakote block is one of the nineteen administrative blocks in Rajouri district, with its headquarters located in Kalakote.[7] The administrative head of this block is commonly referred to as the Block Development Officer (BDO), and currently, Raj Singh holds the position of BDO for Kalakote.[8] The primary objective of this block is to oversee rural development and infrastructure across all villages falling under the Kalakote tehsil.

Municipal Committee

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Kalakote municipality is one of the five administrative divisions in the Rajouri district, with its headquarters located in Kalakote. The head of the municipality holds the title of chairman, and currently, the position is held by Vijay Suri. The chairman and members of the municipality are elected every five years through a process overseen by the district administration of Rajouri. The primary objective of the municipality is to oversee and develop the infrastructure throughout the town of Kalakote.[9]

Constituency

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Kalakote constituency is one of the four constituencies in Rajouri district, with its headquarters located in Kalakote.[10] The head of this constituency is known as the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly). However, after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution,[11] there has been a transition to Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir, and consequently, there are no MLAs representing constituencies, including Kalakote. The main objective of this constituency is to oversee the welfare and development of the entire tehsil.

History

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Kalakote town

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Before independence, Kalakote was a small village with coal mines. In the beginning of the 1950s, a thermal power station was established at Kalakote to utilize the local coal resources. Colonies like Mine Colony and Thermal Colony were established for the residence of power plant workers. Shops and hotels were constructed to handle the influx of mine workers. However, after the commissioning of this project, it was found that the coal available at the site was not suitable for the project, resulting in its closure. Despite this, coal remains the primary resource of the Tehsil and is presently being exported outside.[12]

Kalakote tehsil

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During the 1970s, Kalakote and Nowshera were part of the same tehsil with the same constituency. However, it became increasingly difficult to manage both towns under a single administration due to Kalakote's vastness. As a result, separate tehsils and constituencies were allotted to Kalakote. On 23 March 2018, an additional Deputy Commissioner was appointed for Tehsil Kalakote.[13]

Geography

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Kalakote Town

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Kalakote town is located at 33°13′N 74°24′E / 33.21°N 74.40°E / 33.21; 74.40 with an area of 1.27 km2 (0.49 sq mi) and an average elevation of 700 m (2,300 ft). The town experiences a humid subtropical, dry climate with a yearly temperature of 28.16 °C (82.69 °F), which is 2.19% higher than the Indian average. Annually, it receives about 22.15 millimeters (0.87 inches) of precipitation over 28.48 rainy days (7.8% of the time). The Pincode of Kalakote is 185202.

Kalakote Tehsil

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Kalakote tehsil shares its boundaries with Nowshera in the east, Reasi in the west, Rajouri and Kotranka in the north, and Sunderbani and Siot in the south. The tehsil covers an area of 413 km2 (159 sq mi) with an average elevation of 700 m (2,300 ft). It experiences a humid subtropical, dry climate, with a yearly temperature of 28.16 °C (82.69 °F), 2.19% higher than the Indian average. The region receives approximately 22.15 millimeters (0.87 inches) of precipitation annually, occurring over 28.48 rainy days (7.8% of the time). There are 68 villages and a town in the tehsil.[14]

Population

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Kalakote town

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As of the 2011 India census, Kalakote has a total population of 558 people, with 332 males and 226 females. The literacy rate in Kalakote village is 77.96%, with 82.83% of males and 70.80% of females being literate. The location code of Kalakote is 001514, and there are approximately 113 houses in the town.[15]

Kalakote tehsil

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Kalakote tehsil is predominantly urban, with the entire population residing in urban areas. According to the 2011 India census, the total population of Kalakote Tehsil was 72,667, comprising 37,864 males and 34,803 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 919 females per 1000 males. The population of children between the ages of 0–6 years was 12,768, making up 18% of the total population, with 6,842 male children and 5,926 female children in this age group. The child sex ratio in Kalakote Tehsil was reported to be 866, which is lower than the overall sex ratio of 919.

The tehsil comprises 69 villages and has a literacy rate of 59.13%. Out of a total of 35,418 literate individuals, 21,123 are male, and 14,295 are female. The working population in Kalakote was recorded at 38,661, with 20,899 men and 17,762 women. Among them, 5,395 individuals are engaged in cultivation, comprising 4,344 men and 1,051 women. Additionally, 718 people work as agricultural laborers in Kalakote, with 588 men and 130 women involved in this occupation.[16]

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Religion

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Kalakote town

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Kalakote is a town with a majority Hindu population, constituting approximately 93.67% of its residents. The town also has a significant Sikh community, accounting for about 4.03% of the population, and a Muslim community representing 2.18% of the inhabitants. Kalakote is renowned for its diverse religious landscape, boasting a prominent Hindu temple, gurudwara, and a mosque.

Kalakote tehsil

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The tehsil's population is predominantly composed of two major religious groups: Hindu and Muslim. These two religions together account for 94.63% of the total population, with Muslims constituting 48.60% and Hindus constituting 46.03%. The remaining 5.37% of the population follows other religions such as Sikhism and Christianity.

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Education

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As of 2023, Kalakote tehsil in Jammu and Kashmir is equipped with educational institutions, including a government college, 47 government schools, and 19 private schools.[17]

The notable educational institution in Kalakote tehsil is the Government Degree College Kalakote, which serves as the sole college in the tehsil.

Among the esteemed government schools in the area are:

  • Government Higher Secondary School Kalakote
  • Government Higher Secondary School Sailsui
  • Government Higher Secondary School Solki

Some of the prominent private schools in the tehsil include:

  • VSK High School Kalakote
  • Indira High School Kalakote
  • Gian Public School Kalakote

Healthcare

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Kalakote town has one main hospital, the CHC Kalakote, serving the healthcare needs of the local community. Additionally, there are three more hospitals currently under construction in different parts of the tehsil, aimed at further improving medical facilities in the area. For medical emergencies, some residents may need to seek treatment at GMC Rajouri, situated approximately 36 km (22 mi) away, or alternatively, at GMC Jammu, which is located around 107 km (66 mi) away. These larger medical institutions offer specialized services and advanced medical care, catering to a wider range of healthcare needs.

Transport

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Kalakote is a developing tehsil in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, where almost every village is now well-connected through a network of single-lane roads. The town of Kalakote is strategically located on the Rajouri Katra Highway, a significant roadway that links Kalakote to major towns such as Rajouri and the pilgrimage destination of Katra. Additionally, this highway facilitates access to 14 other villages within the tehsil, fostering better connectivity and transportation in the region.

The central transportation artery in Kalakote is a 22-kilometre (14 mi) single-lane road that connects the town directly to the NH-144A at Siot. This connection further enhances Kalakote's accessibility and integration with the broader national highway network.

For travelers from distant locations, the nearest airport to Kalakote is the Jammu Airport, situated at a distance of approximately 115 kilometres (71 mi) from the town. The airport serves as a crucial gateway for both domestic and international flights and is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Kalakote.

For railway commuters, the nearest railway station to Kalakote is the Jammu Tawi railway station, positioned about 113 kilometres (70 mi) away from the town. The railway station offers connectivity to various parts of the country and is reachable via a 3.5-hour drive from Kalakote.

Tourism

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Manma Mata Cave

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The Manma Mata Temple is a pilgrimage site that lies on Rajouri - Katra highway. This site is devoted to Mata Devi as it is believed that Manma Devi had arrived in this region for meditation purpose. Visitors will find a cave in proximity to this pilgrimage site.[18] This place is 8.9 km (5.5 mi) away from town.

Panjnara Fort

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Near Panjnara, a small village in tehsil Kalakote, is a temple locally known as ‘Pandu Kund’. It is a well-preserved temple of the Kashmiri architectural style in Jammu province. The large temple dates back to 9th-10th century A.D and is similar to Buniyar templend Deltha Mandir in Baramula district. It consists of main shrine, a rectangular peristyle with 55 cells facing to the courtyard and double chambered gateway in the middle of eastern wall.[19] This place is 18 km (11 mi) away from town.

Tatta Pani

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This place is famous for the hot spring whose water is believed to have healing powers. It is located at about 14 km (8.7 mi) from the Kalakote town. Thousands of people throng the place from June to ending November every year from within and outside the state to take a dip in springs.[20] Tata Pani is around 14 km (8.7 mi) away from town.

Thermal Power Plant Kalakote

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In the beginning of 1950s, a Thermal Power Station was established at Kalakote keeping in view the available coal resources. But after commissioning of this project, it was found that the coal available at site was not suitable for the project due to which, the project is closed at present. However, coal is the main resource of the Tehsil, which is presently being exported outside.[21] Thermal Power Plant Kalakote is 0 km (0 mi) away from town.

Notable people

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Kalakote is a town and headquarters in of the Indian of Jammu and Kashmir.
The covers an area of approximately 405 square kilometers and had a population of 72,667 as per the 2011 census, with a of about 180 persons per square kilometer.
It is notable for its operations, which form a key part of the local economy alongside .
Kalakote also hosts the region's first , established in the 1950s to utilize local coal resources.

Geography

Location and Topography

Kalakote tehsil lies in the of the within the of Jammu and Kashmir, , situated in the foothills of the . The tehsil headquarters is positioned at approximately 33°13′N 74°24′E, encompassing hilly terrain that forms part of the district's 2,630 square kilometers area characterized by spurs, ridges, and valleys. The features undulating, moderately sloped hills typical of the lesser Himalayan and Siwalik formations, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,070 meters in coal-mining zones and an average around 954 meters. This rugged landscape includes dense forests and contributes to the region's drainage patterns sloping westward, influencing local and .

Climate and Natural Features

Kalakote exhibits a with dry tendencies, typical of the southern region, featuring hot summers and mild winters influenced by both and western disturbances. Average annual temperatures range from a low of about 7.4°C in winter to highs of 37.4°C during summer, with an overall yearly mean around 28°C. Precipitation averages 1150 mm annually, predominantly occurring during the summer season from June to September, while winters remain relatively dry but can experience occasional snowfall or in higher elevations. The of Kalakote is predominantly mountainous and rugged, with average elevations between 800 and 1000 meters above , forming part of the outer Himalayan foothills in . This terrain supports dense subtropical forests, including species adapted to semi-arid conditions interspersed with valleys that facilitate and settlement. The area's includes significant coal-bearing formations, with deposits of low-volatile anthracite-grade featuring ash content of 10-20% and fixed carbon around 60%, historically mined since the colonial era. A prominent natural feature is the Tatapani Hot Springs, geothermal springs emerging from tectonic faults with water temperatures averaging 45°C, attributed to subsurface heating and rich in minerals believed to offer therapeutic benefits for skin ailments and . These springs, located within the , attract local visitors and highlight the region's geothermal activity amid its forested and hilly landscape.

History

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Era

The region encompassing Kalakote formed part of the ancient principality, referenced in the as Desa and noted by traveler Hiuen Tsang in 632 AD as Rajapuri, a "land of kings" within Gandhar territory during the Buddhist era. links it to Mauryan trade centers and the Abhisar state around the , spanning , , and Naushera. The principality formalized around 1003 AD under the Hindu Paul dynasty, with Raja Prithvi Paul defeating Sultan in 1021 AD; subsequent rulers included Janki Paul (1035 AD), Sangram Paul (1063–1089 AD, who repelled invasions from Kashmir's Raja ), Som Paul (1101 AD), Bahu Paul (1113 AD), and Amna Paul (until 1194 AD, killed in a revolt). From 1194 AD to 1846, transitioned to Muslim Jaral rule, beginning with Noor-Ud-Din; key figures included Anwar Khan (1252 AD), Shah-Ud-Din (1412 AD), Mast Khan (1565 AD), Taj-Ud-Din (1604 AD), Azmat Ullah Khan (1683 AD), and the final ruler Raheem Ullah Khan, whose reign ended on October 21, 1846. Mughal influence introduced among rulers while preserving the "" title, as observed by in 1036 AD. The colonial era commenced in 1846 with the Treaty of Amritsar, ceding —including Kalakote—to Maharaja Gulab Singh's Dogra kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir, a under British paramountcy until 1947. Kalakote remained a minor village, with limited development but early exploitation of local resources, estimated by the at 5.4 million tonnes of workable reserves; these "historical" mines supported rudimentary extraction predating independence, though commercial scaling aligned with broader British-era mining precedents in . The area, renamed temporarily as part of Rampur under initial Dogra administrator Mian Hathu (who constructed a fort and temple), later integrated into Bhimber tehsil until 1904 and then , reflecting administrative consolidation without significant infrastructure growth.

Post-Independence Developments

Following India's independence and the accession of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, Kalakote was incorporated into the reorganized Poonch-Rajouri amid the territorial adjustments after the 1947-1948 Indo-Pakistani War, which left the region under Indian administration despite its proximity to the . Administrative consolidation continued with the formation of on January 1, 1968, which included Kalakote as one of its s, separating it from the broader Poonch structure to improve local governance in the hilly terrain. Economic development centered on exploiting local coal reserves, with the establishment of a thermal power station in Kalakote during the early 1950s by Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd. to generate using nearby mines; this represented the first such coal-fired facility in , though operations proved short-lived due to the inferior quality of the , leading to its closure after limited use. persisted as a primary employer, supporting thousands of local workers through state-managed operations that provided a modest industrial base in an otherwise agrarian and remote area. Infrastructure growth remained constrained by the rugged Pir Panjal topography and security challenges, including spillover from the Kashmir insurgency starting in the late , which disrupted investments and mobility in Rajouri's border districts; far-flung villages in Kalakote lacked motorable roads for over seven decades post-independence, relying on footpaths and limiting access to markets and services until targeted programs in the 2000s began incremental improvements.

Post-2019 Integration and Growth

Following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganized it as a Union Territory, Kalakote—located in Rajouri district—experienced fuller constitutional integration with the Indian Union, enabling direct application of central laws, land reforms, and unrestricted access to national development schemes previously limited by regional autonomy provisions. This shift facilitated increased central government funding and oversight, aligning local administration with broader Indian governance structures and prioritizing infrastructure to bridge connectivity gaps in remote tehsils like Kalakote. Infrastructure growth in Kalakote accelerated post-2019, with a focus on road networks under the (PMGSY), including projects valued at Rs 178 connecting approximately 37 habitations, of which 17 roads worth Rs 58 were completed by late 2023, enhancing access to markets and services. Additional initiatives included the construction of a bridge and 1.05 km link road in Sadda Panchayat, initiated in September 2025 by the Department to reduce travel distances from 20-25 km to under 5 km, thereby improving transportation for , healthcare, and economic activities. The also commenced resurfacing and blacktopping of the Rajouri-Kalakote highway in October 2025, alongside reports of 70 new roads and 8 major bridges boosting regional connectivity. These efforts contributed to socioeconomic growth through expanded rural schemes, such as the completion of 2,685 houses under by September 2025 and ongoing NREGA works targeting 33% progress by March 2026, alongside sanitation drives under , which have improved living standards and employment in Kalakote subdivision. Watershed development projects in Kalakote block, approved in July 2025, further supported agricultural infrastructure, aligning with Jammu and Kashmir's overall real GSDP of 4.89% from 2019-20 to 2024-25 as per official economic surveys. While broader J&K economic indicators show mixed growth trends, local enhancements in Kalakote have primarily driven integration via tangible connectivity and service delivery gains.

Administration

Tehsil and Subdivisional Structure

Kalakote functions as a sub-division within , Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing two s: Kalakote and Taryath. The sub-divisional headquarters are situated in Kalakote town, which also serves as the administrative center for the Kalakote . This structure was formalized in 2014, with Taryath designated as a new under the Kalakote sub-division to enhance local governance efficiency. The Kalakote spans 413 square kilometers and includes 69 villages, as recorded in the . It is subdivided into the Kalakote , which oversees development activities across multiple gram panchayats, including Barmandal, Bathera, Brevi, Broh, Dalli-A, Panjah, Sialsui, and others totaling over 20 such units. These panchayats handle local administration, revenue collection, and community services at the village level. The Taryath tehsil, carved out from portions of the original Kalakote tehsil, primarily covers remote villages such as Taryath, Treru, and Jungrial, integrating them into the broader Kalakote block for developmental oversight. Infrastructure developments, including a dedicated building in Taryath inaugurated in 2025, support administrative functions like land records and in this sub-unit. Both tehsils report to the in Kalakote, ensuring coordinated revenue and magisterial operations across the sub-division.

Local Governance and Electoral Constituencies

Kalakote operates under a tiered administrative structure aligned with Jammu and Kashmir's local governance framework. The town is managed by the Municipal Committee Kalakote, a notified area committee responsible for urban services such as , , and basic infrastructure, overseen by an Executive Officer. Rural areas fall under the Kalakote Block Development Office, headed by a Block Development Officer (BDO) from the Rural Development Department, which coordinates schemes like MGNREGA and watershed development projects across the block's villages. At the grassroots level, governance is decentralized through the Institutions, including a Block Development Council (BDC) for Kalakote block and multiple gram panchayats covering the tehsil's approximately 69 villages. Registered panchayats include Barmandal, Bathera, Brevi, Sialsui, and Khadrian, among others, which handle local development, elections, and community welfare under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act. The BDC facilitates inter-panchayat coordination and convergence with line departments for rural infrastructure and anti-poverty programs. Electorally, Kalakote forms part of the Kalakote-Sunderbani Assembly Constituency (No. 83) in the , which encompasses both Kalakote and adjacent Sunderbani areas. This constituency is delimited under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and falls within the Jammu (General) parliamentary constituency for elections. In the October 2024 assembly elections, Randhir Singh was elected as the (MLA) for Kalakote-Sunderbani.

Demographics

As per the , Kalakote in recorded a total population of 72,667, distributed as 37,864 males and 34,803 females, resulting in a of 919 females per 1,000 males. This figure reflects a predominantly rural demographic across 69 villages, with a of approximately 180 persons per square kilometer over 404.6 square kilometers. The literacy rate stood at 59.13%, lower than the Jammu and Kashmir state average of 67.16%, with male literacy at 68.09% and female literacy at 49.50%; total literates numbered 37,098, including 23,299 males and 13,799 females. Children aged 0-6 years comprised 12,768 individuals, or 17.57% of the population, with a child sex ratio of 1,070 females per 1,000 males, higher than the overall tehsil ratio. Demographic composition features a substantial Scheduled Tribe segment at 48.79% (35,475 persons), primarily Gujjar and communities, while Scheduled Castes accounted for 0.00%. No official data post-2011 exists due to delays in national enumeration, though an earlier 1995 survey estimated the population near 75,000, suggesting relative stability over the intervening period amid regional security challenges and limited .

Religious and Ethnic Breakdown

The religious composition of Kalakote , according to the 2011 Indian census, indicates a slight Muslim majority, with 37,498 individuals (51.6%) identifying as Muslim, followed by 34,901 (48.03%), 189 (0.26%), and 34 (0.05%). Ethnically, Scheduled Tribes constitute 43.4% of the tehsil's population, predominantly Gujjars and Bakerwals—pastoralist communities historically engaged in and largely adhering to —who form a key demographic alongside settled agriculturists. The non-tribal population includes Paharis (hill-dwelling Muslims and Hindus speaking related dialects) and smaller groups such as , with Scheduled Castes accounting for 12%. This mix reflects broader patterns in , where Gujjar-Bakerwal migrations and Pahari settlement have shaped local social structures since pre-colonial times.

Economy

Mining and Energy Sector

Kalakote's mining sector centers on extraction from the local coalfields, which hold semi-anthracite reserves estimated at 5.4 million tonnes to a depth of approximately 300 meters. These resources have supported ongoing operations, employing local workers and prompting recent explorations, including a 2023 visit by the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute to assess development potential. Government officials confirmed in 2022 that sufficient remains available, alleviating concerns over depletion and job losses for miners. A new open-cast mine at Badhog is under development, aiming for initial output of 4,000 to 6,000 tonnes per annum to bolster regional production. In the energy domain, Kalakote hosted India's first North Indian coal-fired , commissioned in the early to leverage nearby coal deposits, with an initial capacity of around 22.5 MW. Operations halted shortly after due to the coal's inadequate quality for sustained combustion, resulting in the facility's decommissioning and equipment transfer to . No active coal-based power generation persists in the area, with Jammu and Kashmir's reliance shifting predominantly to hydroelectric projects elsewhere in the . Coal from Kalakote mines now serves limited industrial or export purposes, though revival efforts emphasize sustainable extraction for local economic benefits.

Agriculture, Horticulture, and Other Activities

Agriculture in Kalakote centers on staple crops such as , , , and pulses, which are cultivated across the hilly and rain-fed landscapes of . These crops dominate kharif and rabi seasons, with and serving as primary staples due to the sub-tropical to temperate agro-climatic conditions in parts of the . Yields remain modest owing to limited coverage, historically around 14% of cultivable in the district, though schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aim to expand this through . Horticulture has expanded as a supplementary pursuit, featuring temperate fruits including apples, pears, walnuts, and stone fruits adapted to the elevation and cooler microclimates. Recent initiatives, such as ultra-high-density apple plantations introduced in Rajouri's remote areas, have boosted yields and farmer incomes by enabling intensive cultivation on sloped terrains previously underutilized for field crops. District-level assessments indicate incremental growth in horticultural area and production, with dry fruits like walnuts showing a 32% production increase in recent years, though Kalakote-specific data underscores smallholder reliance on these for cash income amid subsistence farming. Livestock activities, integral to rural livelihoods, encompass sheep and goat rearing for wool, meat, and milk, alongside dairy cattle and buffalo husbandry. The Kalakote Sheep and Wool Farmers Producer Organization Cooperative supports these efforts by aggregating produce and accessing markets, reflecting medium livestock diversity in the block. Mobile veterinary camps, particularly for tribal migratory herders, address health needs of transhumant flocks, enhancing resilience in pastoral systems tied to seasonal pastures. District figures report over 35,000 crossbred cows, 46,000 local cattle females, and 156,000 buffaloes, with breedable populations focused on milk output.

Infrastructure and Services

Education Facilities

The primary educational infrastructure in Kalakote tehsil consists of government-run schools under the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, spanning primary, middle, high, and higher secondary levels, with a focus on rural accessibility. Primary schools, such as PS Kalakote serving grades 1-5 in a co-educational format with an attached pre-primary section, form the foundational tier. Middle and high schools, including government middle schools (GMS) like GMS Seela, provide progression to , often in clustered rural settings to cover dispersed populations. Higher secondary education is supported by institutions such as HSS Sial Sui, established in 1953 and offering grades 6-12 in English medium with basic facilities including three classrooms for co-educational instruction in a rural context. These schools emphasize core subjects aligned with state curricula, though infrastructure limitations like incomplete persist in some areas, as seen in broader district patterns. At the tertiary level, the Government Model Degree College Kalakote, founded in 2011 on 39 kanals and 19 marlas of land, serves as the principal higher education facility, offering undergraduate programs affiliated with the and recognized under UGC Section 2(f). Construction of its permanent campus remains ongoing, aiming to enhance access to quality higher education for local students in , sciences, and related fields. Private institutions supplement public options, including Star Institute of Education in Mission Panjnara, which operates under regulated fee structures approved by state authorities for primary and secondary levels. Vocational and skill-based centers exist but are limited, with most advanced training requiring travel to district hubs like .

Healthcare Provisions

The primary healthcare facility in Kalakote is the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kalakote, which serves as the main referral for the area and was upgraded from a (PHC) in recent years. This centre provides outpatient (OPD) and (IPD) services, , laboratory investigations, and medicines, though it operates under significant staffing constraints, with reports indicating it is often managed by a single doctor as of July 2025, supplemented by the Block Medical Officer during emergencies. The CHC requires at least 18 doctors to function adequately but faces high vacancy rates, with over 89% of sanctioned posts for medical officers and consultants remaining unfilled in the Kalakote health block. Supporting infrastructure includes sub-centres such as the one in Upper Kalakote and dispensaries like and Saher Dispensary, alongside PHCs in the block, such as PHC Dalhori, which hosts periodic medical camps offering specialist consultations from Government Medical College . Mega medical camps at CHC Kalakote, including those in September 2025 under initiatives like Seva Parv, have provided comprehensive services such as awareness programs, free diagnostics, and treatments for flood-affected residents, highlighting efforts to address gaps in routine care. CHC Kalakote is empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, enabling access to coverage, though emergency cases are frequently referred to district-level hospitals in (approximately 24 km away) or Naushera due to limited advanced capabilities. Persistent challenges include inadequate staffing and infrastructure, leading to referrals for even minor ailments or deliveries to facilities outside the , as noted in local assessments. District-level inspections, such as those in 2021, have directed enhancements like operationalizing dedicated COVID care centres at CHC Kalakote and nearby NTPHC Saranu, but implementation remains inconsistent amid broader resource shortages in district's rural health network.

Transportation Networks

Kalakote's transportation relies predominantly on networks, given its in the hilly of . The town serves as a key node on the Rajouri-Kalakote , which facilitates connectivity to (approximately 28 km north) and extends southward toward Katra, supporting regional travel and logistics. In October 2025, the initiated resurfacing and blacktopping works on this stretch near Moghla to enhance durability and safety amid challenging topography. Rural road development under the (PMGSY) has significantly improved access to remote habitations in Kalakote , with projects constructing all-weather roads for the first time in many areas post-Independence. By November 2022, these initiatives reduced travel times for locals to , connecting previously isolated villages and boosting economic integration. Ongoing efforts include multiple link roads and bridges, such as a 1.05 km stretch in Sadda panchayat initiated in September 2025, aimed at easing intra- mobility. Public transportation primarily consists of Jammu Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) buses and private operators serving local routes. JKSRTC operates services linking Kalakote to via the and to nearby towns like , with extensions supporting tourism to sites such as Peer Ki Gali. Private buses and mini-coaches handle intra-district travel, including to Surankote and other subdivisions, though services can face disruptions from landslides or protests on key highways. No railway station exists within Kalakote tehsil; the nearest is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (approximately 46 km east), serving pilgrimage traffic, while Tawi (about 113 km) handles broader regional rail links. Airports are also absent locally, with the closest operational facility at (around 75 km), supplemented by smaller airstrips like the under-development heliport roughly 20-22 km away. Overall, road enhancements continue to address bottlenecks, but vulnerability to natural hazards like landslides persists, impacting reliability.

Security and Conflicts

Militancy Encounters and Counter-Operations

Kalakote's rugged, forested terrain in the has facilitated militant hideouts and ambushes, prompting repeated counter-insurgency operations by Indian security forces targeting groups like (LeT), which maintains cross-border links for infiltration and logistics. These efforts, involving joint teams from the , , and paramilitary units, emphasize intelligence-driven cordon-and-search tactics to neutralize threats amid a noted uptick in Jammu region's militancy since 2020. On June 4, 2020, security forces conducted a joint operation in , resulting in the killing of one terrorist, with two to three others believed trapped as the search continued. No immediate casualties were reported among the forces, and the engagement highlighted routine area domination exercises to prevent militant consolidation in remote pockets. A more intense confrontation unfolded from November 22 to 23, 2023, in the Bajimaal forest area of Kalakote , where specific led to a gunfight with LeT militants. Forces eliminated two terrorists, including Qari, a Pakistani national and LeT commander expert in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), sniping, and cave warfare, credited with orchestrating attacks in and Kandi; his associate was also neutralized. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, nine grenades, and one IED, indicating preparations for further assaults. The 24-hour operation exacted a heavy toll on security personnel, with five killed: Captain M.V. Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havildar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, and Paratrooper Sachin Laur, amid militants leveraging elevated positions and dense cover for ambushes. This incident reflected broader patterns in Rajouri-Poonch, where foreign militants exploit terrain for sustained resistance, necessitating prolonged searches and reinforcements under oversight from higher commands like the 16 Corps. Subsequent investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency confirmed the militants' identities and roles in October 2024, underscoring the operations' role in disrupting terror networks despite operational risks.

Political and Social Unrest

In February 2017, clashes broke out between activists of the National Conference (NC) and the (BJP) in Kalakote over the proposed creation of new wards ahead of panchayat elections scheduled for March. The confrontation resulted in two injuries, leading police to register an under sections 341, 147, 148, 323, and 307 of the , including charges of attempt to murder. Authorities imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent further unrest, detained four individuals, and shuttered educational institutions in the town. Kalakote, represented in the assembly by BJP legislator Abdul Ghani Kohli at the time, saw the incident as emblematic of partisan rivalries influencing local electoral processes. During February and March 2018, Kalakote observed multiple days of (shutdowns) and protests in solidarity with demands from neighboring Nowshera for district status and separate Additional (ADC) postings for Kalakote and Sunderbani to enhance administrative . Markets closed, vehicles stayed off roads, and demonstrators blocked highways, with the agitation extending over weeks and contributing to injuries, including to Rajouri's during negotiations. groups and traders raised anti-government slogans outside revenue offices, highlighting grievances over centralized governance in . One protester in the broader Nowshera-Kalakote movement attempted amid escalating frustration. These episodes underscore periodic social mobilization in Kalakote driven by electoral disputes and administrative inequities, often amplifying local divisions in a region prone to broader Jammu and Kashmir tensions. No large-scale specific to Kalakote has been documented in recent years, though district-wide protests by Gujjar-Bakerwal communities in over Scheduled Tribe quota reallocations to Paharis in early 2024 led to temporary curbs on assemblies and , reflecting ethnic quota frictions.

Tourism and Cultural Sites

Historical and Religious Attractions

The Manma Mata Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga (locally revered as Mata Rani), stands as a key religious site in Kalakote , situated approximately 9 kilometers from the town along the Rajouri-Kalakote road. This pilgrimage destination draws devotees for its spiritual significance, with nearby natural features including a enveloped by trees enhancing its sanctity. In Panjnara village, roughly 11 kilometers from Kalakote, the Panjnara Temple Complex (locally known as Pandu Kund or Mandir) represents a historically prominent site linked to the of the epic. The complex features an ancient temple structure, one of the earliest in the region, bearing architectural similarities to the 8th-century in , underscoring pre-medieval Hindu architectural heritage. Originally associated with five natural springs—now partially diminished—the site served ritualistic purposes and reflects continuous religious veneration amid the area's rugged terrain.

Natural and Recreational Spots

Tatapani , situated approximately 14 kilometers from Kalakote town within the tehsil's boundaries near the , represents the primary natural attraction in the area. This geothermal feature emerges along active tectonic faults, including the Balakot-Bagh Fault, with water discharge rates of 4.3 to 11.8 liters per second and surface temperatures between 59.2°C and 60.7°C. The sulfur-rich composition of the spring waters is attributed with therapeutic properties, particularly for alleviating skin conditions and joint pains, attracting locals for medicinal bathing and wellness practices. Recreational use centers on the spring as a site for picnics and relaxation, where visitors immerse in the warm pools amid the hilly terrain, though access remains rudimentary with limited infrastructure. The site's cultural reverence as a purification locale enhances its appeal for contemplative outings, blending natural immersion with traditional healing rituals. Emerging tourism interest underscores its potential as a low-key destination, yet unregulated visitation has led to concerns over contamination and littering, as evidenced by incidents reported in 2024. Beyond the hot spring, Kalakote's landscape of forested hills and proximity to Rajouri's broader natural features offers informal opportunities for nature walks and scenic viewing, though dedicated recreational facilities like parks or trails remain scarce and undeveloped.

Challenges and Criticisms

Labor and Environmental Disputes

Kalakote, located in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, has experienced labor disputes primarily centered on coal mining operations in areas like Moghla and the Kalakote range, where casual workers have protested low wages and lack of regularization. In July 2014, ten casual laborers from Kalakote mines staged a chain hunger strike and dharna outside the tehsil office, demanding an immediate increase in their daily wages, which were reported as insufficient for sustenance amid hazardous working conditions. Similar grievances persisted into the 2020s; in July 2024, coal mine workers in Kalakote expressed outrage over the denial of basic rights, including fair pay and job security under Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd., threatening further agitation if unresolved. By July 2025, workers in the Moghla area of Kalakote subdivision held strong protests against the administration, highlighting ongoing issues with wage delays and employment instability in the sector. In response to such concerns, the Secretary of the Mining Department visited Kalakote mines in July 2022, engaging directly with workers and directing local officers to hold monthly public darbars led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner to address grievances systematically. Environmental disputes in Kalakote stem largely from the ecological fallout of coal extraction, which has led to documented degradation without widespread public litigation but with scientific evidence of harm. Coal mining in the Kalakote range initiates land degradation, deforestation, and pollution of air and water from the outset of extraction, necessitating rehabilitation efforts to mitigate long-term damage. At Moghla coal mines, operations have reduced lichen diversity—a sensitive bioindicator—due to elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other phytotoxic emissions, signaling broader air pollution impacts that hinder ecosystem recovery even post-mining cessation. Phytodiversity in the region faces severe threats from mining-related biotic pressures, including overexploitation and habitat loss, altering leaf morphology in surrounding vegetation and underscoring the need for stricter regulatory oversight to prevent irreversible biodiversity decline. These impacts, while not tied to large-scale activist disputes in available records, highlight causal links between unregulated extraction and environmental harm, with studies emphasizing pollution's role in suppressing natural regeneration.

Corruption Allegations and Governance Issues

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has investigated multiple cases involving officials in Kalakote , . In 2019, ACB registered FIR No. 05/2019 against Mohammad Ashraf and Pranav Gandotra, then Tehsil Supply Officers (TSOs) of Kalakote, along with other unnamed individuals, for alleged related to their duties. Separately, in January 2025, ACB booked two former TSOs of Kalakote for the and pilferage of subsidized intended for public distribution, highlighting systemic irregularities in under their oversight. Rural development initiatives in Kalakote have faced allegations of graft, particularly within the Rural Development Department (RDD) of , where Block Kalakote has been described as a primary hub for corrupt practices, including inflated material costs in project orders that exceed 70-80% of estimates, undermining scheme objectives. In July 2025, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Kalakote was accused of compelling National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers to procure materials exclusively from designated shops, prompting local complaints of favoritism and financial irregularities, though no formal charges were detailed at the time. These issues contributed to the suspension of three BDOs in in October 2025 by the Deputy Commissioner for poor performance and suspected in development projects. Governance challenges in Kalakote extend to defunct public service infrastructure, such as centers reported as non-operational across the , coupled with instances of black marketing of ration supplies, which erodes administrative credibility and access to welfare benefits. Broader critiques of Rajouri's administration, including Kalakote, point to an overall erosion of institutional trust due to persistent mismanagement in sectors like rural works and supply distribution, though official responses have emphasized ongoing audits and personnel actions to address deficiencies.

Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

Kalakote, situated in the tectonically active Himalayan foothills of , Jammu and Kashmir, faces heightened vulnerability to landslides and flash floods due to its steep terrain, loose soil composition, and exposure to intense rainfall. The region's young geological formations and proximity to fault lines exacerbate risks, with heavy often triggering debris flows that block roads and damage infrastructure. In July 2025, three days of continuous heavy rainfall in the Kalakote division caused multiple landslides, damaging over 25 houses, closing schools, and obstructing key roads including those in Mogla block. Similar events in September 2025 blocked major routes like the at Kallar and Teryath-Mogla-Kalakote road due to fresh slides amid ongoing rains, isolating communities and necessitating evacuations. Flash floods, amplified by swollen rivers such as those in , have compounded these incidents, with warnings issued in August 2025 for potential inundation in low-lying areas. The area also contends with seismic hazards, as falls within India's high-risk zones, prone to tremors from regional fault activity, though major events in Kalakote are less frequently documented compared to landslides. Additional threats include hailstorms and high-velocity winds; an April 2025 storm in Kalakote and Mogla destroyed around 100 homes, particularly those with tin roofs, highlighting inadequate structural resilience in rural settlements. authorities maintain control rooms and conduct assessments, but recurring disasters underscore the need for enhanced early warning systems and slope stabilization measures.

Notable Individuals

Abdul Samad Farooq (born 28 October 2001) is an Indian cricketer hailing from Kalakote in , Jammu and Kashmir. A right-handed batsman standing 183 cm tall, he represents Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket, including the , where he achieved a historic twin centuries in a single match against on 22 October 2024. Samad gained prominence in the after debuting for in 2020, scoring a match-winning 28 runs off 10 balls, and was acquired by for ₹4.2 in the 2024 auction.

References

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