Dharamsala’s Gramin Bhandar may get helping hand after 18 yrs

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, July 12

Gramin Himachal Bhandar, a cluster complex at Gabli Dari in Dharamsala, is in a state of neglect for 18 years. The complex, which is located on the main road, has not been put to its designated use and is lying non-functional.

In 2006, the complex was constructed by the Rural Development Agency at Gabli Dari, right in front of the Divyang Sadan, close to the district headquarters and it was formally inaugurated on April 5, 2006, by the then Kangra Deputy Commissioner, Bharat Kheda. The complex, constructed as per the traditional architecture of Himachal Pradesh, is like a mud house structure, with a slate roof, built using stone and clay. There is a provision for a hall, an office, a meeting place and an exhibition hall, but everything is falling apart due to the apathy of the authorities concerned.

Constructed like traditional mud house

• In 2006, the complex was built by the Rural Development Agency at Gabli Dari, right in front of the Divyang Sadan, close to the district headquarters and it was formally inaugurated on April 5, 2006, by the then Kangra Deputy Commissioner, Bharat Kheda
• The complex, constructed as per the traditional architecture of Himachal Pradesh, is like a mud house structure, with a slate roof, built using stone and clay. There is a provision for a hall, an office, a meeting place and an exhibition hall, but everything is falling apart due to the apathy of the authorities concerned

The complex was built under an initiative to provide a centre for promotion of self-employment in the rural area, but the government and administration have failed to look after it for 18 years. The cluster of buildings is likely to collapse if rainwater seeps through the roof which has developed gaps.

The Kangra Deputy Commissioner has directed the rural development officials to restore the complex at the earliest. According to Ashmita Thakur, Project Officer District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), the department had asked for funds to revive and restore the complex.

The restoration project would be initiated under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and a space would be created to promote native cuisines and provide self-employment opportunities in the area. Kaushalaya Devi, Pinki, Madhu, Vandana, Shriya, Sushma and other residents of Dharamsala shared many ideas which could convert the complex into a buzzing destination.