Khewra Salt Mines

I just came to know that Pakistan is ranked the second number in the world’s list of salt reserves. So I thought it better to share it with you as well. Most of the salt reserves are located in the district of Jhelum in the Punjab province. In this write, I would like to introduce you to Khewra Salt Mines.

Khewra Salt Mines

Khewra Salt Mines are a bit far from Islamabad. The distance is around 160 kilometers from Islamabad and approximately 15 kilometers north of the Jhelum settlement of Pind Dadan Khan. This place is more fascinating and attractive for the tourist. This amazing place was discovered in 326 BC by the army of Alexander the Great while marching through Pakistan with their horses. Luckily their horses started licking the rocks so a soldier replicated them and revealed the secret. And today it has been ranked at the second number in terms of size.          

Khewra Mine Looks Like

The Khewra Salt Mines are the earliest salt mines in the history of salt mining on the Indian subcontinent. In the form of an irregular dome-like structure, salt is found in nature. It is possible to find seven broad salts seems with a combined thickness of around 150 meters. This is the place where one can find 99 percent pure salt. More interestingly you would find different colors of salt like transparent, white, pink, reddish, or beef-color red. 

It is not just a salt mine but a full-fledged closet to visit. The mines are filled with architectural wonders such as mosques, a copy of the Minar-e-Pakistan, a sanatorium, Chaghi Mountain, and various other brightly colored structures made entirely of salt bricks. The monuments are illuminated from within by lights. One can find Sheesh Mahal which is also known as the palaces of mirrors. The walls of the palace are made up of clear salt and water pools are lighten up with lamps.

Besides, its popularity for high-quality salt, it is also known for its gypsum, marble, lime clay, potash, coal, and a variety of other minerals.

Annual Production of Salt

Khewra mines are regarded to be the most ancient in the history of salt mining on the subcontinent. Salinity was assessed to be 98 percent pure in 2018, resulting in the annual production of 389,134 tons of pure salt. In addition to the cash generated by the production, a substantial amount is generated by the approximately 40,000 visitors who come to the site every month. The anticipated yearly production of pink, white, & red salt is about 347,000 tons, with the majority of it being sold to China, India, the United States, and Germany.

By knowing this I think this is a worth visiting place. And amazingly the visiting ticket cost just 220 Rupees per head and half for students and children. Moreover, the visiting timing is from 9 am to 5 pm.  

Ranikot Fort, often dubbed as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” is one of Pakistan’s most fascinating and enigmatic historical landmarks. Situated near the town of Sann in Jamshoro District, Sindh, the fort is recognized as one of the largest in the world, with a perimeter of around 32 kilometers (20 miles). Despite its immense size and strategic location, much about its origins remains a mystery, adding to its allure and significance as a cultural and historical monument.

Historical Background

Ranikot Fort is believed to have been originally constructed in the first half of the 17th century, though there are varying accounts about its exact origins. Some historians suggest that it may date back even further, to the reign of the Sassanian Empire or earlier. It was later renovated and expanded during the rule of the Talpur Mirs in the early 19th century, as they sought to fortify their domain against external threats.

The purpose of the fort, however, remains unclear. While some believe it was built as a defense against invasions, others argue that it was a means of securing trade routes or serving as a safe haven for local rulers. The lack of any major historical records associated with significant battles or sieges at Ranikot adds to the ambiguity surrounding its function.

Architectural Marvel

The scale of Ranikot is staggering, covering an area of approximately 32 square kilometers. The fort’s massive walls snake across the barren landscape, resembling the Great Wall of China, with which it is often compared. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, the fort’s walls rise up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and are punctuated by several bastions and watchtowers.

Ranikot has four main gates: Sann Gate, Amri Gate, Shah-Pere Gate, and Mohan Gate, each offering access to different sections of the fort. The Sann Gate, located on the eastern side, is the main entrance and is notable for its intricate design and stonework.

Within the fort’s vast expanse lies another fortification known as the “Meeri” or “Mirikot,” a small fort within the larger walls that served as the residence of the Talpur Mirs. This inner fort has its own gates and walls, adding an additional layer of defense. The Meeri Fort is perched on a hill, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.

The Great Wall of Sindh

The fort’s walls, stretching across the arid hills, resemble a smaller version of the Great Wall of China. This feature has earned Ranikot the nickname “The Great Wall of Sindh.” The zigzagging walls extend for miles, blending into the rocky terrain, and are a stunning sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when the golden light casts long shadows over the surrounding desert.

Unlike the Great Wall of China, however, Ranikot is not located in a highly populated or strategically important area. Its remote location has contributed to the fort’s air of mystery, as well as its relative obscurity in the global historical and architectural landscape.

Mysteries and Theories

The true purpose of Ranikot Fort is still shrouded in mystery. Scholars and historians have proposed various theories about why it was built, ranging from a defense structure against invasions from Central Asia to a royal retreat for the Talpur dynasty. Some suggest that it was intended to protect the local population from bandits and raiders, while others believe it may have been a strategic point for controlling trade routes passing through the region.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ranikot is the lack of significant historical records or evidence of major battles taking place there. Its size and scale suggest that it must have had some important function, yet it remains an enigma to this day.

Cultural Significance

Ranikot Fort is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Sindh, a region that has been home to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization. The fort’s design reflects the influences of various dynasties and cultures that have ruled over Sindh, from the Greeks and Mauryas to the Mughals and Talpurs.

In modern times, Ranikot has gained recognition as a symbol of Sindh’s historical heritage. The fort has been nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list, which would help preserve and promote this incredible site on a global stage.

The Changa Manga Forest, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is one# of the most impressive 12,000 hectares (47 square miles), this man-made wonder is not only the world’s largest artificial forest but also a symbol of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity, and reforestation.

The Origin Story: An Ingenious Solution

The Changa Manga forest was established in 1866 by the British, primarily to meet the growing demand for timber to fuel the expanding railway system of the Indian subcontinent. The British colonial government realized that they needed a sustainable source of wood to produce railway sleepers, which led to the creation of this artificial forest. Located 70 kilometers southwest of Lahore, the forest was named after two legendary bandits, Changa and Manga, who once roamed the area.

A Testament to Human Ingenuity

The forest was not grown naturally but was planted in a planned and systematic manner, transforming barren land into a thriving forest ecosystem. The efforts undertaken in the 19th century remain a testament to human ingenuity and the power of reforestation. Over the years, Changa Manga has grown into a dense forest that supports a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

A Hub of Biodiversity

Today, the Changa Manga Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Eucalyptus, shisham, and mulberry trees dominate the landscape, providing shelter and sustenance to numerous animal species. Wildlife such as deer, wild boars, jackals, and a variety of bird species thrive in this carefully nurtured habitat.

The forest is also known for its role in producing honey, an industry that thrives due to the variety of flowering plants. Additionally, medicinal plants are cultivated here, further contributing to the forest’s economic and environmental importance.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The significance of Changa Manga extends beyond its natural beauty. The forest plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It also helps in soil conservation, groundwater recharge, and the regulation of local climate conditions.

Economically, the forest is an important resource for timber and wood-based industries, generating revenue while supporting sustainable forestry practices. The honey and medicinal plant industries further add to its economic contributions. Additionally, the forest offers a recreation area for eco-tourism, attracting nature lovers, students, and researchers.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Despite its significance, Changa Manga has faced challenges, particularly deforestation and illegal logging. Urban encroachment and exploitation of its resources have also threatened its sustainability. However, conservation efforts have been initiated by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to protect this valuable forest. Reforestation drives and strict regulations on logging have been put in place to ensure that Changa Manga continues to thrive.

A Tourist Haven

Changa Manga is not just an ecological asset but also a recreational haven for tourists. The forest offers a variety of activities such as boating, bird watching, picnicking, and horse riding, making it a popular weekend destination for locals. The Changa Manga Wildlife Park within the forest is another attraction, housing a variety of animals and providing educational opportunities for visitors interested in nature and conservation.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Green

Changa Manga stands as a living example of the possibilities of human intervention in nature for the greater good. It not only provides resources and a livelihood for many but also acts as a green lung for the region, contributing to environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with climate change and deforestation, Changa Manga offers hope and inspiration for reforestation efforts globally.

The Changa Manga Forest, a man-made wonder, is a lasting legacy of foresight, environmental stewardship, and the power of human effort to shape a greener, more sustainable future.