| Mulwarwan | |
| Other Name: | Mul |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Pushpin Map: | India Jammu and Kashmir#India |
| Pushpin Label Position: | right |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | India |
| Subdivision Type1: | Union Territory |
| Subdivision Name1: | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Kishtwar |
| Subdivision Type3: | Tehsil |
| Subdivision Name3: | Warwan |
| Population Total: | 850[1] |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
Mulwarwan is a remote village located in the Warwan Valley of the Kishtwar district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Located in the Himalayan mountains, Mulwarwan is known for its high-altitude location and harsh winter conditions, with limited access to infrastructure and services.
Mulwarwan is situated at an elevation of around 3,000 meters in the Warwan Valley, which is located between the districts of Kishtwar and Anantnag. The region experiences severe winters with heavy snowfall, making road access difficult for almost six months each year. The only road connection to the village is through the Margan Top pass, which becomes inaccessible due to snow during winter.[2]
As of 2024, Mulwarwan is home to approximately 500 people. The population primarily consists of ethnic Kashmiri Muslims who are involved in subsistence agriculture and labor work. The village is characterized by small, traditional wooden houses, which are vulnerable to environmental hazards such as fires. Residents speak Kashmiri as their native language, with Urdu spoken for administrative and educational purposes.[3]
The villagers practice a simple lifestyle, relying on agriculture, livestock, and seasonal labor for their livelihoods. The remote location of the village, along with a lack of basic infrastructure, such as healthcare and emergency services, make life challenging, primarily during the long winter months.[4]
The economy of Mulwarwan is primarily agrarian, with residents engaging in farming, livestock rearing, and some seasonal labor in nearby towns. Due to its isolated location, the village lacks industrial or commercial development, and most goods must be brought in from other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. During the winter months, villagers rely on stored provisions, as the heavy snowfall cuts off their access to markets.
The village is connected to the rest of the region by a single road that passes through the Margan Top area, which links Mulwarwan to Daksum in the Anantnag district. This road is often closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. In cases of medical or other emergencies during the winter months, the village depends on helicopter services provided by the local administration, although these services are often expensive and not easily accessible to everyone.[2]
See main article: 2024 Mulwarwan fire incident. On October 14, 2024, a major fire broke out in Mulwarwan, devastating a large part of the village. The fire destroyed 40 houses and displaced 68 families, affecting approximately 500 residents. Due to the remote location and the absence of proper fire-fighting infrastructure, the fire spread rapidly, consuming most homes, which were made of wood. Relief efforts were quickly mobilized, with NGOs and the government providing emergency supplies and temporary shelter. However, the incident highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure and preparedness in the region.[5]