THATHRI, Sept. 19: A public meeting convened under the banner of Civil Society Thathri at Dak Bungalow Thathri on Saturday passed a series of resolutions concerning infrastructure, disaster mitigation, education, public administration and regional development. The meeting was attended by citizens, traders, social activists, youth representatives, community leaders and residents from Thathri and adjoining areas.
The participants unanimously demanded the immediate sanction and construction of the proposed Chenab River Protection Corridor (CRPC), Thathri, describing it as a critical disaster mitigation and public infrastructure project for the Chenab Valley region.
Demand for Chenab River Protection Corridor
The meeting resolved that the proposed CRPC should include a continuous Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) protection structure along the bank of River Chenab below Thathri town, extending from Kishtwar Bridge to the area below Police Station Thathri. Participants emphasized that the corridor should be developed as a single integrated project rather than in fragmented sections.
Speakers highlighted the strategic importance of Thathri town, which serves as an administrative, educational, healthcare and commercial hub for several tehsils including Thathri, Kahara, Phagsoo, Chiralla, Bhalessa, Bunjwah and Drabshalla. They noted that thousands of people depend on Thathri for government services, education, healthcare, banking and trade.
The meeting expressed concern over increasing flood-related risks in the Chenab basin and referred to scientific studies and official assessments highlighting glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) vulnerabilities in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district. Participants stated that preventive infrastructure is essential to safeguard public property, institutions and businesses located in Thathri.
According to the resolution, the proposed corridor should not only provide flood protection but also create additional safe public space for future government offices, public facilities and civic infrastructure. Participants observed that several government departments currently operate from rented accommodations due to shortage of land and permanent infrastructure.
Demand for Commencement of Class 11th at Government Higher Secondary School Thathri
The meeting also discussed the long-pending issue of commencement of Class 11th education at Government Higher Secondary School Thathri. Participants expressed concern that students are forced to seek admissions elsewhere despite the town being a major educational centre of the region.
The gathering urged the School Education Department to immediately start Class 11th classes and ensure adequate teaching staff and infrastructure so that local students do not face educational hardships.
Demand for Protection Wall Under Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plans
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the construction of a protection wall along vulnerable stretches below Thathri town under Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) plans associated with hydroelectric projects in the region. Participants maintained that communities located along the Chenab riverfront require permanent safeguards against erosion and flood threats.
Demand for Establishment of Divisional Offices at Thathri
The meeting unanimously demanded the establishment of divisional-level offices of key departments at Thathri, including Jal Shakti, Power Development Department (PDD), Forest, Horticulture and Agriculture departments.
Participants stated that residents from multiple tehsils are currently compelled to travel long distances for departmental services. Establishing divisional offices at Thathri, they argued, would improve public access, administrative efficiency and service delivery across the wider region.
Demand to Vacate Dak Bungalow Thathri from Temporary Office Occupation
The participants also raised concerns regarding the continued occupation of Dak Bungalow Thathri by temporary government offices. The meeting resolved that the historic public facility should be restored to its original purpose and made available for official visitors, public functions and administrative requirements.
The gathering urged the concerned departments to shift temporary offices to suitable alternative accommodations and release the Dak Bungalow for its intended use.
Call for Coordinated Regional Development
Speakers emphasized that Thathri occupies a central geographic position between Doda, Kishtwar and Gandoh and acts as a vital link for surrounding tehsils. They stated that future planning should focus on strengthening public infrastructure, disaster preparedness, educational facilities and administrative services to meet the needs of the growing population.
The meeting resolved to submit the adopted resolutions and memorandum to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Doda, MLA Doda and other concerned authorities for immediate consideration and necessary action.
Civil Society Thathri stated that it would continue to pursue these issues through democratic and constitutional means in the larger public interest.
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