Villages under Himalayan national park sans power, roads

BOX— Living without basic necessities in 21st century

* Shakti-Maror and Shugad villages of Banjar subdivision in Kullu district lie in the vicinity of the Great Himalayan National Park.

* The villages do not have power supply, telecommunication facility and road connectivity since after the Independence and people are living without these basic facilities.

*Residents allege that the dept delivered electricity poles close to the villages six months ago but no supply has been provided till date

* Villagers walk 35 km to reach road, call people of other villages by whistling in times of need

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, June 19

The residents of Shakti-Maror and Shugad villages of Banjar subdivision in Kullu district, are urging the state government to provide them power supply. These villages are situated in the vicinity of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Kullu, which is a major hindrance for the state government in carrying out any development works to benefit the villagers.

The villages do not have power supply, telecommunication facility and road connectivity since after the Independence and people are living without these basic facilities.

The villagers told The Tribune that six months ago, the HP State Electricity Board had delivered over 200 electric poles close to the villages, which raised their hopes of getting electricity supply.

However, the poles are lying in the area and no progress has been made in installing them. Many of the villagers said there were reports that the Park authority was not giving a no objection certificate (NOC) to set up the power lines in the area.

Nam Chand, a resident of Shakti village, said road connectivity, telecommunication service and power supply connection was a dream of each villager here.

“The villagers have to trek a 35-km harsh track to reach the roadside, which is a daunting task for senior citizens, children and patients. Similarly, due to lack of communication facility, villagers use whistles to call people of other villages in time of need,” Chand added.

The villagers said the state government should take up the matter with the GHNP authority effectively, so that a power line could be installed in the region.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Kaushal, Superintendent Engineer of HP State Electricity Board, Kullu, said “Forest clearance is awaited from the GHNP authorities. They had some objections and we represented the case again for forest clearance. As soon as the clearance is received, the execution work would be expedited.”

Banjar MLA Surender Shaurie said he would take up the matter with the state government to execute this project in time for the benefit the people of the region.