Army projects create more problems than solutions
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Ghambir Mughlan (Rajouri), July 2
It was thought creditable on the part of the Army when it decided in 2005 to go in for micro-hydel projects to provide electricity to villagers under Operation Sadhbavana. But taking a look at these projects today, there exists just doubts over the Army’s intentions.

Reason: Not only the projects are lying defunct since their inauguration, these initiatives of the Army rendered two families destitute.

These families, one in Ghambir Mughlan village and other in Patrara village in Manjakote, gave their gharats (traditional water mills), which were their sole source of income, for the construction of the projects.

Villagers of Ghambir Mughlan said the 38 Rashtriya Rifles constructed this project, conceived by former Governor Lt-Gen S.K. Sinha (retd), to provide power supply electricity to 20 households of the village after spending millions of rupees under the border area development programme and Operation Sadhbavana.

The Army had reportedly promised Khadim Hussain, the owner of the water mill in Ghambir Mughlan village, that his income would double after the projects kicks off.

The Tribune found that the project comprises of a small shed constructed in brick and cement. Inside the shed besides heaps of grass, are snapped wires, defunct turbine and alternator.

“In 2005, Army authorities approached me for installing an electric pan chakki (for setting up the so called micro-hydel project) on my running water mill. Before that we have been happily earning livelihood by operating the water mill,” said Hussain.

“Later the Army authorities dismantled my water mill. Though they left behind some machinery for the purpose but never installed the same rendering my water mill non-functional,” he added.

“I have to feed 12 members of my family and with any my water mill, we were forced to starve,” he added.

Kundan Lal of Patrara in Manjakote is the other victim. He said, “The Army has snatched my family's livelihood by dismantling my watermill for installation of the project. They didn't set up the project leaving us in lurch.”

“We have requested the Army to install the projects or get my water mill reinstalled, but they tried to scare us by threatening us of dire consequences,” he added. The Army authorities were not available for comments.