Sir,
It needs mention here that Tehsil Bhalessa (Whole) and Thathri (in part) and Doda (in part) were parts of erstwhile Bhaderwah State for hundreds of years till 1846 AD when it was amalgamated in Udhampur District. In 1949 District Doda was created and the distance of erstwhile Bhaderwah State was reduced by more than 50 percent. Erstwhile Bhaderwah State fully merits its constitution of separate District. It was one of the biggest and richest State of Jammu Division (which consisted of 22 hilly States). Vigni the British traveller who visited that State in the 19th Century called it as “little Kashmir.” Keeping its future development in view top most preference needs to be given to the development of tourism infrastructure by creating a well planned and well designed tourism circuit connecting Bhaderwah, Bhellesa, Thatri and parts of Doda Tehsils (village Marmat of Doda). The J&K State Finance Commission in its report submitted to Government has specifically proposed the formulation and implementation of long term tourism plan for this area to be prepared by engaging the services of a top most tourism consultancy services inside and outside India. This will include adventure tourism, religious tourism, scenic tourism. This alone will ensure long term developmental needs of the area. From Kailash Kund in the West, adjacent to Seoj Dhar, the tourism circuit should connect Sonnabain, Padhari Dhar, Jai, Sabbardhar Daggan Dhar, Jantrone and Marmat area of Doda. The Finance Commission has also recommended fully fledged University at Bhaderwah. A good campus already stands created at Bhaderwah. Daya Krishan Gardish late historian and veteran journalist while writing a lengthy introduction to history of Dogra Desh by N D Nargis has recorded that in ancient times a full fledged University existed at Bhaderwah, headed by Kulpati (Vice Chancellor) with 10,000 strength of students. Due to the completion of Bhaderwah-Basohli and Bhaderwah Chamba roads (both nearing completion) students from Bani, Basohli and Dudu Basant Garh area and Chamba Districts as a whole would prefer to pursue University education at Bhaderwah.
The post of Additional Deputy Commissioner needs to be considered for Bhaderwah, Bhellessa, Thathri (Village Chirala) and Doda (Marmat and Shiv Patwar Halqas) to ensure integrated development of this area by posting senior officers of all the Development Departments for this new enlarged administrative units. Three new Niabats and Development Blocks each be considered for Bhaderwah at Bhalla, Ghuraka and Athakhar and one Niabat and One block for Chirrala in Thathri Tehsil, be also considered. Separate Niabat and Block one each at Karra, Chilly and Kaljagukasar area of Bhallesa be considered for creation.
Specific Infrastructure Development Schemes for Tourism Development Schemes be prepared (including roads) for Seoj Dhar, Padharidhar, Sabaur Dhar, Jai Dhar, Jantrone, Marmat area etc.
Third inter-District road may also be considered from Bhaderwah to Seoj Dhar to Dudu-Basantgarh and to Latti. The people of Ramnagar and Chenani Tehsils vehemently stressed the completion of this road before the J&K Finance Commission on its visit to Dudu-Basantgarh and Latti area of District Udhampur.
Yours etc….
Swami Raj Sharma, IAS (Retd)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel