BY MOHD MAJID MALK , DODA,MAY29—The Bhaderwah town is changing, and changing very fast. It now seems that the town will overcome the deficit of twenty years, which not only devastated its infrastructure but shook its foundations. Transformation can be well recognised by its citizens who lived the most turbulent years of our recent past. When we look at this changing town , it gives us an impression of hope. It reveals that its people have strength and resolve to emerge from worst times and the desire for a better, peaceful and prosperous future.
Often termed as Dead town during militancy with Security bunkers fenced with barbed wire, burnt houses and markets, ghost houses at every nook and corner of the town , the town has moved a full circle; life has returned . Look of the town is changing now and changing for good. The momentum it once lost has again been gained by it and from the rubble a new town is emerging. On the one hand we have large and stylish shopping shops , hotels offering world class services, and on the other hand the government has also come forward with initiatives that will restore the lost glory of the town.During the two decades of militancy hardly any road widening took place, the government has now initiated the widening of many crucial roads including the Bhaderwah Chamba road and many other projects related to tourism .
As the influx of traffic has increased manifold, the extension of traffic lanes and construction of new roads has to be given the utmost priority. The town is getting the modern feel as the lights are being installed at various intersections. This step was long overdue. Managing a huge public and private transport was becoming a herculean task for the traffic police personal.. The department also needs to take an overall review of the intersections as it had blocked a number of entry pints in the past due to mismanagement of traffic. In the last few years a number of parking areas have been carved out in busy areas to accommodate private vehicles but govt. needs to take initiatives for multilevel parking at areas as in the next few years the number of private vehicles will increase at a much higher rate.
The water transport service has always been acknowledged as a viable and alternate transport option for the city as large number of areas are connected by water ways. As the govt. has initiated this service but it may not suit the commuters in terms of fares.The street lighting has become much better and in this regard MCB and BDA has done a commendable job. Its recent lighting system installed at Sari Bazaar ,Old bus stand is really marvellous. This system needs to be adopted on all town bridges and important locations so that locals, in general, and tourists, in particular, feel the liveliness of this city. The river side parks and Neeru bank beautification programme has also changed the view of Neeru river .
It gives a feel of cleanliness and depicts the sensitivity of citizens and govt. for preserving the water bodies .Bhaderwah Development Authority development dozens of tourism spots .The govt. also needs to rethink many structures which do not serve any purpose . Despite all the good changes, the town still needs better drinking water and ration system . Modern techniques need to be adopted and a comprehensive plan needs to be devised.This town has a unique identity and historical background. While moving ahead with development we need to make sure that it does not lose its identity and we preserve its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Good planning shapes good decisions. We all will be responsible for shaping this town . We will be remembered for shaping its future.