Sir,
This has a reference to Daily Excelsior editorial “Patnitop Development” DE December 31, 2015. In this connection, I would like to say that the first plan for development of Patnitop was implemented in the year 1995 but it could not achieve the targets of development. By and large, all the development related activities remained confined to a very small area. Basic needs of Development like road links could not be constructed. For example, a small road from Patnitop to Gourikund could not be constructed during the past twenty years. The fate of Rope-way is known to everybody. One fails to understand what is the fun to include more area, if we could not develop what nature has given us at Patnitop. Locals always protested that the plan was only to protect the interests of non-locals etc. It is pertinent to mention that this vast hilly area of Chenani is blessed with everything like that of a International Tourist Spot. At the time of final approval of Plan-2015 all the stakeholders should be consulted. New plan should be purposeful, result oriented and people friendly. It should be kept open for wide discussion with the Panchyat members, local residents and farmers. The CEO of PDA Kud should organize public awareness camps at all important places, so that no public protest and resentment is seen after its implementation. It should be noted that there is great difference of this area with that of other areas. Apart from the best every natural beauty Chenani-Patnitop area is very rich in historical and cultural fields. If we focus on remains of Chenani Palaces and Forts, we can develop four-five heritage sites for visitors. If we develop water bodies we have Sanasar, Mada and Dhera Top small lakes. We have natural water fall at Karlah, we have religious pilgrimage sites throughout the areas. All these should be included in new Master Plan. The Mela of Sudhmahadev and Benisang can be highlighted like famous Kulu and Bhaderwah Melas. The local Khud and Jattars also need attention. A local committee of persons should be constituted who know history and culture of this area. Development of historical, religious, tourism related and archeological sites should therefore find special place in new plan.
Yours etc…
Rajinder Chand Anthal
Zonal Education Officer (Rtd)
Chenani Udhampur
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel