Mahendra Patial
Bharmour
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, arrived in Bharmour late Saturday night via road from Chamba. He was warmly received by Bharmour MLA Dr. Janak Raj, who honored the minister with a traditional Himachali shawl, cap, and a ceremonial Gaddi pattū—a symbolic gesture of cultural respect. Dr. Raj’s parents also participated in the welcome, presenting the pattū personally.
Senior administrative officials from Bharmour were present during the visit, which marked a significant moment for the tribal region. On Sunday morning, Dr. Janak Raj briefed the minister on several pressing local issues and submitted a series of formal memorandums seeking central intervention and support.
Key demands included:
- Granting tribal status to 24 panchayats in the Mahela block and including them in the Tribal Sub-Plan
- Upgrading the Pathankot–Killar road to improve access to the remote Pangi region
- Establishing a ropeway from Bhanodi to Pregan to boost tourism and connectivity
- Bringing the Holi–Uttarala road under central jurisdiction for better maintenance
- Including the sacred Manimahesh Yatra under the PRASAD scheme for pilgrimage tourism
- Enhancing security and infrastructure around the historic Chaurasi Temple complex
- Constructing a tunnel between Brehi and Kareri to ease travel and promote regional development
- Expanding and upgrading National Highway 154A for improved transportation
Dr. Janak Raj expressed confidence that under Minister Uikey’s leadership, these proposals would receive serious consideration and pave the way for inclusive development in Bharmour and surrounding tribal areas.
The visit was seen as a reaffirmation of the Centre’s commitment to tribal welfare and regional upliftment. Local leaders and community members hailed the minister’s presence as a hopeful step toward long-awaited infrastructural and cultural support.
