I
Sir,
This is in response to Tapping natural capital of Chenab valley by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat (Daily Excelsior May 27th). The author of the article has explained in detail the potential of Chenab region which has been continuously neglected by successive state Governments as the natural capital of the area remains still un-explored. It is the time to undertake an indepth study of various natural resources followed by work execution.In Doda district the olive cultivation needs to be given a great thrust as this crop has a very great growth rate in the area. After the Indo Italian project executed more than 33 years back not even a single project came up for execution. Tourism development needs a great thrust in the area. The state medicinal board needs to set up a permanent office in Chenab valley in Doda or Kishtwar so that local Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) is properly studied and its cultivation is explored on large scale.
Shahab Ul Haque Butt
District President PDP Doda
II
Sir,
This is very much true that the whole of Chenab belt including Reasi and Udhampur area is a treasure of natural wealth. The forests of this whole area have such kind of medicinal herbs which can’t be found in any place of the country. The only thing is that no research and development has been done in this field inspite of the fact that we have state biodiversity board , medicinal board , Unani and Ayurveda experts with us. Last year Union Minister for Ayush Shripad Yesso Naik and MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh had jointly launched High Altitude Medicinal Plants center at Baderwah. This center needs to be developed into a nodal organization that can start a massive study on medicinal plants. Dr Bhat has rightly said that tourism, roads and irrigation facility needs to be developed in the area on a large scale that can boost local economy. I hope authorities especially local MP and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will shift his focus on development of Chenab region.
Sanjeev Kumar
Trikuta Nagar, Jammu
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