Kokernag
Kokernag is a sub-district, town and a notified area committee in the Breng Valley of Anantnag district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The place is known for its botanical gardens, pristine freshwater springs, and rainbow trout farm. It is 25.3 km from Anantnag District via NH244. It is one of the most popular weekend getaways from the state capital of Srinagar.
Etymology
The etymology of the word 'Kokernag' is controversial and there are various theories, none of which has any conclusive historical proof. One theory is that the name derives from the two words koker and nag. Koker has been taken from a Kashmiri word for chicken, while nag has been taken from a Sanskrit word for springs. The springs gush out of the base of a thickly wooded hill from where it divides into channels, which resembles the claw-foot of a hen, hence the name. A second theory is that Koker means 'fowl' and nag means 'serpent'. Yet another theory is that the word Kokernag originates from Koh kan nag.Kokernag is known also as Breng Kokernag, the name given by poet and scholar Shiekh ul Alam. He said "kokernag breng chu sunsund preng" which means that "Kokernag is crown of gold". Kokernag is also mentioned in Ain Akbari, wherein it has been mentioned that the water of Kokernag satisfies both hunger and thirst and it is also a remedy for indigestion.
Geography
Kokernag is at an altitude of approximately 2,000 m above sea level. Towns situated around Kokernag are Wangam, Devalgam, Hangalgund, Nagam, Sagam, Zalengam, Magam, and Soaf Shali. The total area of the Kokernag trout farm is about 400 kanals, of which 129 kanals are for gardens and area.Economy
It is known for its trout streams and the largest fresh water spring in Kashmir. The trout hatchery department has constructed pools in series in which trout is reared. The Trout Fish Farming Project Kokernag through European Economic Community Assistance was established in 1984 and serves as the mother unit for production of quality Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Under the extension program of this project, 59 trout rearing units/hatcheries have been established in almost all the districts of the state, including Leh and Kargil. More new trout rearing units are also coming up. The trout is made readily available to the common man at all the rearing units of the department, including a special sale outlet at Gagribal.The state's first rural mart has been set up in Kokernag to promote and market the handicraft products manufactured by the local women self help groups, by NABARD.