No overloading

Sir,

In the increasing population and keeping in view the rush in the Mini Buses plying in and around Jammu, the overloading has become a fashion, necessity of the time. Neither the public nor the traffic controlling authorities favour the over-loading but the fact is that this disease is gripping its roots so strong that inspite of attracting a complete condemnation from all concerns, it is being embraced happily by all the effected personalities. Hence an inevitable act being committed and swallowed in broad day light.

Once we find this disease catching our blood vessels like a leech, we have to find some immediate alternative to existing F-307 matadors which is a horrible vehicle even for one extra passenger standing inside this vehicle because the inner height is too less to accommodate a standing passenger. No one can feel comfortable with the bent neck while travelling as an additional passenger in this vehicle. By the time one reaches his destination, the body gets completely broken and mind fully irritated. Some new mini buses of MAZDA make or some other model can be introduced in the city to throw out F-307 model which is at present serving like a cage to carry the animals. It will be a criminal act to permit this vehicle to carry any extra passenger. Earlier, this model is weeded out, better it would be for the precious human lives.

One humble request to the passangers: till the time this model of F-307 is placed out kindly co-operate and don't get into the one which fails to provide you a berth to sit down. It know once we are in a hurry we hardly bother for our comforts but not only it is the most uncomfortable to travel in the standing posture, it is an open invitation for the serious accidents. Why to compromise with the danger and the miserable conditioned journey to save few minutes. If we all join hands not to get in a matador which does not have a sitting place, the vehicle owners will automatically become wise enough to load only that much which does not force any passenger to stand inside the matador. Thus no over loading.

Key is in our hands, let us use it effectively till the authorities act wisely to discard this matador of F-307. model.

Yours etc...
J M Behl
Old Janipur
Jammu.

Krimchi temples neglected

Sir,

The Government seldom speaks regarding the pilgrim-tourism promotion at the ancient stone made PANDVA temples at Krimchi near Udhampur. On papers what and what not has been done by the concerned agencies is not known. But practically the unique place has always been ignored and neglected.

It obviously appears and one feels too that Government does not seem keen and sincere in bringing the beautiful magnificent and historical temples complex built by the Pandva brothers in one night during their exile days on the pilgrim tourism agenda. The matchless place is also our cultural and religious heritage. To get the sacred site explored and bring it in the people's eyes the basic requirements are known to all. But it is astonishing and painful to note that the concerned agencies do not care to take up any of those except some renovation and preservation work at the complex site by the department of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and few photographs published in some pamphlets of Tourism Department in the name of publicity and exploration.

Nevertheless, what has been done here is appreciable. Besides, much more is needed to be done. Let us be more practical and promote in our approach. The famous and rich heritage site, which is no doubt the pride of Udhampur, situated at a little distance of 8-9 kms from Udhampur city towards north west is still out of sight of the visitors. To indicate and bring it in their eyes a broad sized Gateway-cum-sign Board should be erected near Beerwah Bridge crossing Udhampur on Jammu Srinagar National Highway as one is erected at Domail for Katra Vaishno Devi on this Highway by the J&K Tourism Department.

A vehicular road link from Forest Resin Depot on Krimchi Mansar road to the Temples complex should be constructed forthwith. At present one has to cover this 2 kms distance on foot through a stony and thorny pathway. It exhausts and irritates a visitor (if any comes over here) to such extent that he vows to "Never visit again". Few years ago the then DDC Udhampur was kind enough to start the road's construction work through Rural Dev. Department. But unfortunately the noble task was abandoned half way for unknown reasons. Resultantly, the short distanced road stretch, that too through plain fields, is still lying pending where it was left. Nobody thereafter paid any attention towards this most important aspect. What a mockery?

At the same time the matchless place needs beautification alongwith all other improvements pertaining to the civic amenities including passenger, visitors sheds at the site as well as near Resin Depot.

Above all the Government especially ASI should arrange the world heritage melas also at this complex which is surrounded by most beautiful and high green peaks. The hidden place would surely be exploited and get the visitors eye. But I feel constrained to say that ASI too is unfair towards this place. What hesitation the Department feels in organising such melas here is not known.

Yours etc...
Swatantra Dev Kotwal
Udhampur