About Batote

Batote is a small town located in the newly carved our Ramban District in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The place is a well known tourist destination and famous for its natural beauty. The Chenab gorge located close to the city is an added attraction. Initially, the town was a part of Doda District. When in 2007, a separate Ramban district was carved out of Doda, Batote was included in that. 

Geography of Batote

Batote is located in the lap of Pir Panjal Range of mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is positioned at 33 10° North Latitude and 75.32° East Longitude. It has a hilly terrain with an average elevation of 2066 meters (6584 feet). River Chenub flows close to this town. 

Due to high level of precipitation the area has a thick blanket of coniferous forest. There is also some agricultural land scattered around the city. Farmers grow different types of crops in these fields. Kidney bean (rajma) grown in and around Batote is of high quality and is sold at a very high price.

Baglihar Dam on River Chenub

Baglihar dam is located on River Chenub at a distance of 11 km from Batote; consequently, this dam is also referred as Batote Dam.  It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectricity project, which produces 900 MW of electricity. It was conceived in 1992 and was finally dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on 10th October, 2010.

It may not be out of place to add that run-of-the-river hydroelectricity projects have no or very little water storage capacity and hence production of electricity in these plants is subjected to the seasonal flow of water. This has been necessitated by the fact that according to Indo Pak Indus Water Treaty Pakistan has the full right on the water of River Chenub and so India could not build a regular dam on this river.

Climate in Batote

Batote is very pleasant in summer. However, the winter is long here and the temperature often reaches sub zero level. During that period the area experience heavy snow fall.

History of Batote

Batote is a comparatively new town established during the British rule. In those days, the British officials in India were perpetually looking out for cooler areas that would provide them respite from the sweltering summer heat. They came across Batote and were enthralled by its beauty. Soon they built summer houses on its mountain slopes.  Indians were quick to follow. Before long an urban settlement came up here.

Initially Batote was a quiet little town with only a few residences. It became a popular tourist destination only after Kashmir Valley became engulfed in an unfortunate turmoil that lasted for decades. Tourists then began to opt for lesser known places, untouched by such pandemonium. Soon they discovered Batote and as time passed, it became a full-fledged tourist spot. People from all over the world now come here to cherish its beauty and enjoy the nature.

Administration in Batote

Batote falls under Ramban Tehsil, one of the two tehsils under Ramban District. While the town is directly administered by the Naib Tehsildar, the Deputy Commissioner is the ultimate head of administration.

The DC is the most important officer in Ramban district. Apart from discharging his duties as Deputy Commissioner he also acts as the District Development Commissioner and the District Magistrate. Moreover, disaster management also falls under his forte. In case of any emergency you may contact him at the following phone numbers:
Office Number: 01998-266-789
Mobile No: 94191-70752
Fax: 01998-266-906

Municipal Committee in Batote

However, the civic amenities in Batote are provided by a Municipal Committee. For better administration, the city has been divided into 7 wards, each of which is represented by a councilor. The members are elected for a term of five years and are responsible for providing basic amenities such as supply of drinking water, maintenance and lighting of roads, sewage etc. 

Police in Batote

The police force in Batote operates under the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban. However, law and order at Batote falls directly under the local police station. In case of any emergency you may call Batote Police Station at 01998-244-225.

However, in case of extreme emergency you may also call the District Police Office at Ramban at 01998-266-648 or send email at sspramban-jk@nic.in

Fire Station in Batote

There is also a Fire Station in Batote. It has one fire appliance and one fire pump to handle emergencies.
In case of any crisis, you may call them at 01998-244-517.

Besides, you may also contact the Command Office, Fire & Emergency Services at Ramban at the following numbers:
Office Phone Number: 01998-266-060
Mobile No: 94191-70974

Hospital in Batote

There is one government run Emergency Hospital in Batote. Besides, there is a Sub District Hospital in Gool, which effectively serve Batote. The District Hospital is located at Ramban; in case of emergency, one can also avail its facility.

Transport in Batote

Batote is located on the National Highway 1A, which connects Jammu with Srinagar. In addition, NH 1B, which commences from this town joins it with Doda. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation as well as different private agencies run regular bus service through these road. Taxis are also available for traveling to and from this town. However, there is no such option within the town. You either have to walk or hire ponies to travel from one end to the other.

Facts About Batote

District: Ramban
Tehsil Ramban
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Elevation: 6584 feet
Pin code: 182144
STD Code: 01998