District Kishtwar · Jammu & Kashmir

Bunjwah Block

Community Development Block Profile

Introduction to Bunjwah Block

Bunjwah Block (also known as Bonjwah Block) is one of the thirteen Community Development Blocks (CD Blocks) of District Kishtwar in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. It serves as an important rural administrative and developmental unit responsible for implementing government schemes, strengthening local self-governance, and promoting socio-economic development in its villages. The district administration officially lists Bonjwah among the 13 development blocks of Kishtwar district.

Situated in the mountainous Chenab Valley region, Block Bunjwah is known for its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, agricultural activities, and rich cultural heritage. Despite its remote location, the block plays a crucial role in rural governance and community development in the southeastern part of District Kishtwar.

Geographical Location & Setting

Block Bunjwah lies in the hilly terrain of District Kishtwar in the Jammu division of Jammu & Kashmir. The block forms part of Bunjwah Tehsil and is situated in the southeastern reaches of the district, sharing administrative boundaries with Tehsil Thathri of Ramban district — a connection that gave rise to a longstanding historical demand by the people of Bunjwah to be administratively included in Tehsil Thathri, given their geographical proximity and connectivity.

The block is characterised by rugged Himalayan mountains, deep valleys and streams, forest-covered slopes, terraced agricultural fields, and scattered rural settlements. The area experiences moderate summers and cold winters, with higher elevations receiving snowfall during winter months. The terrain significantly influences the lifestyle, economy, and connectivity of the region.

Devigol — Block Bunjwah’s Crown Jewel

Devigol is a hill station and popular tourist destination situated in Patnazi Village, Bunjwah — the most widely recognised tourist attraction in the block. The site is known for its serene natural environment, believed to promote restored health and well-being, and draws visitors from across Kishtwar district and beyond. The annual Devigol Festival is held here and is officially listed on the Government of India’s cultural events portal (utsav.gov.in).

Despite its appeal, Devigol has historically received limited attention from the Tourism Department — with local advocates calling for construction of tourist huts and formal inclusion under the district’s tourism development plan. The Kishtwar Tourism Board has since referenced Devigol as “Nature’s Serene Abode” in its promotional material. The scenic landscapes, dense forests, and natural environment of Block Bunjwah more broadly offer significant opportunities for rural tourism, nature-based tourism, and community-led eco-tourism initiatives.

Administrative Framework

A Community Development Block is an intermediate rural administrative unit established for implementing development programmes and coordinating Panchayati Raj institutions. Block Bunjwah works under the supervision of a Block Development Officer (BDO) and serves as a link between the district administration and Gram Panchayats.

Demographic Profile

Villages of Block Bunjwah

Block Bunjwah comprises approximately ten revenue villages. Among these, Patnazi is the largest settlement in terms of population and is also home to the celebrated Devigol tourist destination.

Gram Panchayats of Block Bunjwah

Block Bunjwah is organised into 8 Halqa Panchayats, each subdivided into Panch Constituencies (electoral wards). A notable feature of this block is the very high proportion of Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituencies — particularly in the Kither, Mori, Tipri, and Patnazi panchayats — reflecting the large Gujjar-Bakarwal population across the block.

Panch Constituencies — Detailed Ward List

The complete ward-level breakdown of all 8 Halqa Panchayats in Block Bunjwah, with Panch Constituency names, localities covered, and reservation status.

📍 Binoon

📍 Jawalapur

📍 Kither

📍 Mori

📍 Nali

📍 Patnazi – A

📍 Patnazi – B

📍 Tipri

Agriculture & Rural Economy

Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in Block Bunjwah. More than 75% of the population depends on agriculture and horticulture for their livelihood. The block’s forests, terraced fields, and grazing grounds collectively support a diverse rural economy spanning farming, fruit cultivation, livestock rearing, and forest-based activities.

Government Schemes & Rural Development

Social Infrastructure & Connectivity

Development Potential & Future Prospects

• Formal tourism development of Devigol hill station in Patnazi — construction of tourist huts and inclusion under the district tourism plan
• Expansion of eco-tourism, rural tourism and community-led nature tourism leveraging the block’s scenic forests and landscapes
• Better road connectivity and macadamisation linking all villages to the main Kishtwar–Thathri highway
• Expansion of horticultural activities — walnut, apple and temperate fruits — with farmer training and value-addition support
• Promotion of organic farming in the block’s pristine forest-bordered agricultural zones
• Gujjar-Bakarwal community empowerment through dedicated ST welfare schemes and livestock development programmes
• Growth of Self-Help Groups and women-led rural entrepreneurship under NRLM
• Skill development and self-employment initiatives to expand opportunities for rural youth

mykishtwar.com

Documenting the Heritage, Culture & Development of Kishtwar since 2011

 contact@mykishtwar.com  |  +91-7006607991