K D Maini
kdmainipoonch@gmail.com
Poonch is a remote, mountainous and far-flung district of the Jammu province, popularly known as Mini Kashmir due to its natural beauty and climatic conditions. Barring a few low-lying areas, the whole district is mountainous, located in the main Pir Panjal region, and comprises snow-capped peaks, attractive valleys, gushing streams, lakes, pastures, meadows, dhoks, mergs, and a rich cultural heritage of the Gujjar-Bakarwal and Pahari tribes. Their unique and melodious folklore, traditional lifestyle, hobbies, customs, and the movement of Gujjar-Bakarwals and Paharis towards dhoks and mergs with their cattle, flocks of sheep, herds of goats, fleets of horses, and unique lifestyle separate them from the other inhabitants of the Jammu province.
As per Neel Mat Puran, Poonch got its name from the great Pulasta Rishi, who was a great sculptor as well. The images of gods erected by Pulasta were very popular in the country. Therefore, after the death of Pulasta, the natives named this area Pulast Nagar. With the passage of time, the name changed from Pulast Nagar to Proonce, and from Proonce to Poonch. Still, in the Kashmiri language, Poonch is known as Proonce.
Poonch district comprises four tehsils, 178 villages, 189 panchayats, and an area of 1,674 sq km. As per the Census 2011, the total population of Poonch district was about 4.76 lakhs. However, the projected population is 6.50 lakhs. The district is connected with two highways-Jammu-Poonch and Srinagar-Poonch roads. A 103 km long LoC passes through the heart of the erstwhile Poonch principality, starting from Tarkundi in Block Balakote and going up to Sawjian in Mandi Block.
During the recent past, a lot of development has been witnessed in the district. With the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojana, the remote, border and mountainous villages and habitations have been connected with roads. It is expected that under this programme, the 64 km long Mandi-Buffliaz road across Nallah Mandi and the Suran River shall be connected this year, due to which 37 villages with a population of 1.75 lakhs shall get benefit. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Central Government, the natives are being benefited with safe potable drinking water facilities. Similarly, liberal funds have been provided for strengthening the power network in all the villages. This year, ?141 crores are available for this purpose. On the other hand, under labour-oriented schemes, 125 days of assured employment is being provided to the labour class near their houses.
Under road connectivity, the concerned authority is engaged in upgradation and strengthening of the Jammu-Poonch highway to widen the road and reduce the length by constructing tunnels. Till now, 110 km of the Jammu-Poonch road has been widened and upgraded for smooth movement of vehicles. Two tunnels at Nowshera and Kandi have recently been opened for traffic, while the Sungal tunnel is near completion and work on the Bhatta Durrian tunnel is in progress. In this way, about 40 km of road shall be reduced, apart from ensuring free movement of vehicles.
Due to militancy, the work on the ?650 crore Parnai project lingered for years. However, during the last three years, the work has picked up pace. It is expected that next year the project shall be completed. In this way, 37.5 megawatt power shall be generated and 22,000 kanals of land in the Mendhar valley shall be irrigated.
There was a pressing demand from the public of Poonch and Rajouri districts for the construction of a tunnel on the Mughal Road so that vehicles may ply throughout the year.
Recently, the tunnel on the Mughal Road from Ratta Chamb to Lal Ghulam has been approved by the Central Government. By this, apart from reducing about 20 km of road, traffic shall ply throughout the year. With the completion of the above projects under Central Sponsored Schemes, it is expected that the old glamour of Poonch district shall be revived and this border district shall start a new journey of prosperity.
Under micro-planning development in the district and implementation of need-based programmes under the District Capex Budget, this year ?67.16 crores have been sanctioned by the District Development Board. The plan implementation started immediately. Out of the approved plan, ?25.64 crores have so far been spent on approved schemes up to 31st December 2025. In this way, 1,414 schemes have been completed. This year, a labour budget of ?101 crores was approved in the Gram Sabha. It is expected that 2,44,810 man-days shall be generated.
At present, 1,773 works are under progress, 1,488 Anganwadi centres are functioning in the villages, and two instalments of ?18.60 crores have been deposited in the accounts of 42,770 farmers. A total of 1,391 schools of various levels are functioning in the district. Under Pradhan Mantri Kalyan Anna Yojana, 70,600 families are being provided free ration.
It is an encouraging fact that these rural beneficiary schemes are being monitored properly, effectively and regularly under the supervision of the visionary, dynamic and people-friendly District Development Commissioner, Poonch, due to which the benefits of approved schemes are percolating to the public. Along with development officers, he is visiting villages, conducting meetings with the public in village assemblies, and discussing important plan schemes to ascertain the level of implementation of plan funds and to know the public response.
Thereafter, on-the-spot decisions are taken. This strategy is providing great relief to the natives of remote and far-flung villages, tribal bastis, and the inhabitants residing near the 103 km long LoC. These visits of the administrator and officers are not only beneficial in the developmental sphere but also help in restoring the confidence of border people, apart from solving day-to-day problems. Such visits are also in the interest of the nation.
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