EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Aug 21: Former Minister and President District Congress Committe Kathua, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma today again raised his voice for long pending demand for granting district status to Billlawar and also submitted memorandum to LG, Union Home Minister and local MP.
Manohar said the people of tehsil Billawar and Ramkote strongly demand granting district status to Billawar as it fulfills all the required parameters and criteria for being declared as a district. Also it is pertinent to mention that Billawar is approximately 80 kms from present district head quarter Kathua, 40 kms from tehsil head quarter Ramkote and 42 kms from Basohli Tehsil head quarter. Also note that some areas of Bani constituency have route through Billawar and alternative road from Billawar to Bani through Katli Dehri Galla Dhagger and Duggani is under construction. Billawar is equally approachable to residents of Duggan and Bani block and other areas of Machedi, Godu Falal, Badnota, Lohai, Malhar of Bani Assembly segment are also easily accessible to proposed Billawar district.
He said that the present area of administration in district Kathua is vast, and it causes delays in implementing welfare schemes and projects. The population, human settlements, commercial establishments and industries continue to grow in modern times. A tehsil office is struggling to reach out to the people as population is regularly increasing as a result people will not get the benefits of the welfare schemes in time. Also note that District Kathua comprises of different agro climatic conditions with Plain land, hilly areas, Kandi belt and area along International Border with population of approximately 7 lakhs.
He said that Dr SS Bilowria commission had also recommended for grant of District status to Billawar. Manohar said as learned from sources government is keen in establishing district at Mahanpur which is totally unacceptable, a historical blunder and injustice with peace loving nationalist people of Billawar.
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