Cobra-like plant captivates tourists in Sharan Forest

BALAKOT:

Sharan Forest, a picturesque tourist destination in Kaghan Valley, has become a haven for nature enthusiasts, where a symphony of bird songs greets visitors. This forest, covering 27,000 acres, has recently drawn significant attention due to the presence of a unique plant resembling a cobra.

The plant, found in the Sharan forests, bears a striking resemblance to a cobra snake in both structure and size, complete with a tongue-like shoot protruding from its "mouth." Locals refer to it as "sur kunda," and it is known to be a favourite food of bears.

Professor Muhammad Rafiq, a Botany teacher at Balakot Degree College, identified this plant as the Cobra Plant. It has medicinal uses, particularly in treating asthma, epilepsy, and tetanus, he said. Additionally, locals claim that distilled water extracted from its roots is used for respiratory ailments.

Bears are known to gather around this plant before winter sets in, consuming the collected plants as they prepare for hibernation. They eat the plants as soon as the snow falls and then sleep until spring. This cycle repeats annually.

There are myths about a snake living under the plant, though no scientific research supports this claim. The exact scientific name and properties of the plant remain unknown. However, the medicinal value of herbs from Sharan Forest is well-regarded. During British rule in 1906, a track was constructed to access the forest, and a rest house, still managed by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department, was built to facilitate tourism.

Sharan lies on the way from Balakot to Naran and is accessible via a 14km-long jeep track. The renowned forest is also remembered as the wilderness of Darshi, based on a local folktale of love and tragedy.

Sharan also features a popular waterfall named Darshi, which is a favourite among tourists. To enhance accessibility, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa government has built wooden huts and camp pods. The forest government is encouraged to research the medicinal herbs in these forests, as they could potentially yield significant economic benefits.