By King RJ
Bhaderwah : Known for growing exotic world famous red beans(Rajmash), organic vegetables and fruits, Kanser Panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhaderwah will soon become the highest village in Doda district to have all-weather road connectivity as authorities starts laying macadam on the 15 km Nagar-lanchan to Kanser road being constructed under PMGSY scheme.
Situated at an elevation of 7780 ft above sea level, Kanser village is primarily inhabited by Gaddi and Sippi tribes who earn their livelihood by raring sheep and growing organic vegetables, red beans (Rajmash) and high quality fruits like quins, apricots, walnut, Plump etc.
Residents of the hill top village are beaming with joy as after 2 decade long wait, finally Kanser which is strategically located from where one can have bird’s eye view of Bhaderwah town, beside iconic Ashapati Glacier and Kailash Kund will now be accessible in all weather conditions via all-weather road connectivity after DDC Chairman Doda Dhananter Singh Kotwal along with Vice Chairperson Sangeeta Bhagat kick started laying of Macadam on the 15 Km road stretch passing through steep and dense coniferous forest.
“The road which has the potential of becoming the game changer of the 3500 tribal population is being constructed with a project cost of 9.40 lacs and will be completed by October 10 subject to weather conditions,” said Atta Mohd Sheikh, AEE PMGSY Bhaderwah.
DDC Vice-Chairperson Sangeeta Bhagat said that the area is famous for its agricultural products especially Rajmash and due to unavailability of road connectivity, people were facing hardships while reaching out to markets, but now their dream is going to come true as they are not getting just road connectivity but also blacktopped all weather connectivity.
Locals also expressed their gratitude to Government, Administration and PMGSY authorities for taking care of their grievances regarding road connectivity.
"Our were living in miserable conditions due absence of road connectivity which is very necessary for development of any area. Nature has gifted us with famous Rajmash and other products but we were unable to get benefits as it was very difficult for us to reach 12 KM away market by foot to sell our produce, " said Sudhir Kumar, a local resident.
“Now with the road connectivity, we will not only get good rates of our produce but our children will be able to get quality education in city schools, for which we are indebted to Government,” Kumar added.
