Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Sept 25: As newly created Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly segment went to the polls today for first time along with 26 other constituencies under Phase-II of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, voters of Katra were optimistic of getting local issues addressed through their elected representative.
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While lack of development used to remain major grievance of people everywhere, voters in Katra holy town-base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, were concerned over the model of ongoing development, which, they said, would be detrimental to the local business.
Possible negative impact of proposed ropeway from Tarakote to the Bhawan, Inter-Modal Station at Katra and Delhi-Amritsar- Katra Expressway were the major issues for voters in the town who fear that these projects will drastically reduce footfall of visiting pilgrims in the existing markets.
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“Katra-Delhi Expressway should not be linked directly to Tarakote Track but the town may be extended to Reasi as bypassing Katra will severely affect business here,” said Mohan Lal Sharma, a retired NHPC employees, while coming out of a Polling Station in Katra.
Similarly, proposed ropeway and Inter-Modal Station are other serious concerns of the local businessmen who fear that these projects will completely divert pilgrims and tourists from Katra town thus leading to collapse of their business. “These projects will take away our customers and drastically reduce footfall in the market,” said Shubham, another local voter.
Anil Dubey, a senior citizen of the town, suggested that locals should be taken into confidence while planning and executing developmental projects in the town. “So far all the development projects in the name of facilitating pilgrims are apparently aimed to demolish local business in Katra,” he rued and hoped that their representative in Assembly would effectively take up the matter before the appropriate forum.
A section of voters also expressed their frustration over Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board alleging that the Board officials don’t listen to them. “I cast my vote to oppose this kind of dictatorial attitude,” said a young voter at a Polling Station.
Besides, inadequate supply of Bijli-Paani (electricity and water) were other issues of the voters, who also complained that medical facilities in Katra town were not sufficient.
These concerns and frustration had apparently made the voters of this newly carved Assembly constituency more enthusiastic in exercising their franchise and electing representative for redressal of the issues. At most of the Polling Stations, there were long queues of voters waiting for their turn to exercise their democratic right.
Avantika, a first-time voter, expressed excitement on participating in the democratic process and said: “Voting is our constitutional right-it’s mat ka daan. I’m so happy that after 10 years, we are finally electing our representatives.” Avantika shared that she cast her vote for a candidate she believes is capable, accessible, and focused on addressing local issues.
In Pangal, Katra , voters at the Polling Station said that development and education facilities are their primary concerns. The poor condition of roads and inadequate education infrastructure remain key areas voters hope their new representative will address.
A voter in Panthal emphasized the need for development initiatives that directly benefit the local community. Rajinder, a voter stressed the importance of developing Devi Pindi, a religious site with significant potential for tourism. In addition, there were calls for the revival of the NMDC Ltd Project, which had previously contributed to the area’s industrial growth. Restarting this project, they said, would generate employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s economic base.
Rajinder Mengi, DDC member Panthal, suggested that the Yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi should have a route passing through Panthal, which would bring in more visitors, ensuring the local businesses and people benefit from the influx of tourists.
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