78 yrs on, Bharmour locals deprived of basic amenities

Seventy-eight years after Independence, residents of the tribal belt of Bharmour in Chamba district are still deprived of basic amenities, forcing many families to migrate, an NGO claimed here.

Med Singh, chairman of Mera Gaon Mera Swabhiman, while talking to The Tribune said while the country is moving ahead on the path of digital progress in the 21st century, people in tribal areas continue to face problems related to food, roads and communication connectivity.

He said his organisation has launched a campaign, Adarsh Gaon Ho Apna, to highlight the issues of far-flung rural areas and seek concrete solutions.

Singh pointed out that small and large hydro power projects on the Ravi river are generating nearly 2,000 MW of electricity and revenue worth crores of rupees, but the local population living along the river belt is not receiving any benefits. Due to poor road connectivity, farmers are unable to take their produce to the market in time and suffer huge losses every year, he said.

Singh also demanded the construction of a tunnel connecting Bharmour to Kangra district, claiming it would improve connectivity, boost tourism and trade and help prevent migration.