K D Maini
Poonch is popularly known as Mini Kashmir due to its natural beauty, attractive valleys, gushing streams, snowy peaks, thick forest belts, unique type of Pahari and Gujjar life style, lush green meadows, melodious folk lore and thrilling sufiana kalam. This District is located on the LOC and 103 km long LOC is passing through the heart of erstwhile Poonch Principality. The total area of the District is 1674 Sqkm while as per the census 2011 the total population was 4.76 lacs and projected population for 2024 is 610205 souls.
Poonch remained economically backward due to its location on the LOC, far away from power centre and disadvantageous terrain. No doubt that during last few years lot of development have been witnessed by Poonch with the implementation of Prime Minister Awas Yogna, Nal Se Jal, strengthening of power network, construction of village roads etc. Apart from routine plan implementation, the present District Development Commissioner, Yasin M. Choudhary have also conceived a number of innovative schemes which do not fall under the ambit of normal Plan. The details of some projects is as under.
Joggers Park alongside Poonch River
The historic Poonch city is located on the confluence of river Poonch and Betar stream in between Khorinar hill and Panj Kakkrian forest. This unique city has rich cultural heritage and scenic views, but the city has no proper place for the natives to walk and relax. Earlier the Joggers were used to walk on Jammu-Poonch Highway but due to heavy traffic on the road it has become difficult and risky to walk on this road. The other place for jogging was Air Strip but this Strip has been fenced and abandoned for public due to security reasons.
Keeping in view of above scenario and needs of the citizens of Poonch city, the present District Administration has conceived 700 metres long Jogging Park with 14 feet width for jogging lane. This path is constructed on the top of bund leading from Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge towards Dungus area alongside Poonch River. The work has been taken up by filling ofthree and a half feet wide strip of good earth for grass in the centre and paths with tiles on both the sides of grassy strip. Till now 200 metre Jogging Paths have been constructed with Ornamental Lights, Benches for relaxing and Gates for entry. This innovative idea has proved beneficial for the joggers and widely appreciated by the citizens of Poonch.During morning and evening hours the Joggers have started walking on this path, relaxing on the benches and have full views of Poonch city, snowy peaks of Peer Panchal on the northern side and Toli Peer (8600 metre) in the western side and relax in cold breeze coming from river side.Especially this path has proved very useful for Senior Citizens who walk without tension.
Amul Production Centre Mendhar
Recently on the initiative of District Development Commissioner Poonch, the JKMPCH in collaboration with Animal Husbandry Department has launched an ambitious Dairy Development Plan in Mendhar Sub Division to establish robust Milk Collection Centre in Mendhar. For this purpose a farmer engagement camp was organized in Mendhar town which was attended by 150 farmers engaged with Dairy Farming. They were apprised about the potential of replicating the AnandAmul Model in Mendhar Sub Division to foster the Dairy Industry, generate employment and strengthen economy of the tribals.
Dr. Sajad Ahmed (VAS) Mendhar told that for this purpose initially 20 villages with Cooperative Societies in border Block Mankote of Mendhar Sub Division have been selected. The milk testing machines, desktops and invertors shall be made available for collection of milk from the farmers. The village Secretary will ensure the payment to farmers within 10 days. The farmers shall also receive feed and other procurement facilities from JKMPCH alongwith bonus. With the opening of Amul Production Centre, farmers will get substantial benefits, permanent market with attractive selling price.
Revival of Fort Building Poonch
Poonch Fort is a symbol of the heritages of Poonchies. This monument is located in the south western corner of town which is 248 years old. From the top of the Fort, the view of Poonch valley from Pir Pass in the east to Toli Pir in the west and Haji Pir in the north to Pir Margote Ghazi in the south is marvelous. The entrance towards old city starts from this very Fort. No doubt that the royal glory and glamour of the Fort has been vanished, still it narrates the courage, bravery and determination of the natives for defending their motherland.
During earthquake of 2005, this building was shaken badly and developed severe cracks. For its rehabilitation about seven crores rupees were sanctioned by the then Chief Minister during 2007 but the pace of work remained very slow. In 2023 the present DDC Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary visited this Fort and took decision for its proper rehabilitation on the northern part of the Fort and its conversion into coaching centre for IAS, JKAS and other exam because such facility is not available in the District. This centre has recently been inaugurated by the Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, J&K who hailed the efforts of District Administration for providing such facility to the youth of Poonch District. Simultaneously, some portions in the frontal and southern side have been got repaired. The sloppy area alongwith the new stairs leading towards southern and western side of the Fort have been demarcated for green patches with flower beds. A small park namely Poonch-Haveli is constructed in front of the Fort. Already fitted ornamental lights around the Fort have been made functional. The construction of walking paths in the southern side is giving nice look to the Fort which indicates the changing face of Fort complex. Efforts have also being made to restore Gool Ghar (office of the Raja Sahib) and historic Darbar Hall and their utilization for cultural shows. In this manner this historic monument is being converted into a heritage centre for general public and coaching centre for the youth to face the competitive exams.
Seasonal migration of tribals
Seasonal migration of tribal Community is an important part of nomadic traditions. These claims (Dheras) migrate towards pastures and meadows of Pir Panchal Range and further go upto Gurez and Talail with their flocks of sheep, herd of goats, fleet of horses, animals, family members, baggage and luggage and stay there for about five months. These tribal families were facing lot of problems during journey while reaching to destinations due to harsh weather, unexpected snowfall, hail storms and rough routes. They were also facing acute fodder problem for their animals due to which their animals lost lives, flock perished besides getting injuries. It has also become difficult for the aged persons, women and children to walk on foot while travelling from base camp to destination.
To overcome this problem the arrangement of transport was approved by the Government from base camp to last station. This facility has reduced foot journey from 20 to 30 days to one or two days and also helped in safe migration. However, this facility was delayed this year, but with the rigorous efforts of District Administration, the funds were made available and transport provided to the tribal families. This innovative scheme has been widely appreciated and welcomed by the tribal community.
Completion of Mandi-Buffliaz road
64.03 km long Mandi-Buffliaz road is the longest District road which shall connect 37 villages with 1.83 lacs population residing across Suran river and Mandi stream and finally this road shall connect Tehsil Mandi with Mughal Road at Buffliaz leading towards Kashmir Valley.
Initially the work on this road was started during 1977-78 when the decision was taken during first Board Meeting by the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohd Abdullah.However, from 1978-1990 only 10 km road was completed. From 1990 onwards, the work on this road remained helpd up for about 20 years due to militancy in that area. Then the construction work of this road was included in CRF Plan but the road still remained incomplete. Therefore, after visualizing the slow progress, the authorities have taken up the matter with the higher authorities for its early completion. Accordingly this road has now been included in PMGGSY Plan with its completion before the end of financial year 2024-25.
In this manner a number of other innovative schemes beyond the ambit of normal Plan or CAPEX Budget like exploring tourist spots in Girgen Valley, Picnic Resorts at Shah Star, JabbiToti, Nandi Chool, provision of mobile facilities around Pir Pass, arrangement of gliding shows, rafting in Poonch river have also been worked out with the involvement of the natives of Poonch. These efforts of Administration alongwith congenial atmosphere in the District shall definitely lead the people of this remote and border Poonch District towards bright future.
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