PTDA functioning
Sir,
The functioning,
jurisdiction and powers of the Patnitop
Development Authority need to be reviewed in the
light of experience gained so far. The area under
its jurisdiction makes it a State within the
State. Being somewhat remote from public gaze,
the wide discretionary powers have served as a
gold mine for the Babudom and their political
losses. This was fully exposed when the scandal
of building sanctions for hotles and residences
came before the High Court about a year ago. The
worst sufferers are the poor marginal farmers and
small land holders. Their lack of education and
ignorance of the ways of Babus is fully
exploited. As it well known, farming includes
agriculture dairying, bee keeping, mushroom
growing, fruit growing etc. Even small addition
or modification of accommodation has to be
approved by the all powerful Authority. These
scattered farmers do not have the time and money
for these approvals and sanctions.
It is, therefore,
suggested that some form of mini Municipalities
be created at places of tourists interest like
Kud, Sudh Mahadev, Patnitop, Sanasar etc. over
which PTDA may exercise its power. But the
blanket jurisdiction over the entire area should
be curtailed. The farming community should be
freed from their control. As it is, the area has
been designated as Draught Prone. With
Agricultural prices falling these marginal
farmers may be forced into suicides or engage in
anti social activities.
Yours etc...
A S Jamwal
110 Exchange Road,
Jammu
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