People of Budhal region demanded district status for Budhal

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SHYAM SOLD

RAJOURI OCT 23:-In a significant development the inhabitants of Budhal in Koteranka subdivision of Rajouri district have demanded District status for Budhal having a population of more than 70000 spread across 28 panchayats.
“By adding 10-15 panchayats from the Gulabgarh area of Reasi district, the new district will represent a larger, more cohesive administrative unit, facilitating development in both regions,” said Waqar Lone (representing the public of Budhal).
Before proceeding further representing the demands of the people of Budhal , according to historians Budhal name has been derived from its ruler Budhpal (ruled in 11th century AD).
Another theory said that the Budhal name was derived as in the ancient times the area was inhabited by the followers of Buddhism.
Comprising 51 villages having population of 1.45 lakh (as per 2011 census) Budhal town was tehsil headquarter, but later it was shifted to Kotranka town on administrative grounds.
Budhal is an ancient town as its name is available in Rajtarangni as Budhiwasa.
According to Waqar Lone, representative of people of Budhal, Budhal is a large and strategically significant area in the Pir Panjal region, yet it has been overlooked when it comes to district status.
“If Kalakote, which is only 30 km away from the district headquarters in Rajouri, can qualify for district status, then why not Budhal, which lies 60 km away, facing greater challenges of connectivity, accessibility, and infrastructure,” said Waqar Lone.
Budhal residents said that Budhal is acting as a gateway between Rajouri and Reasi districts. It is not just geographically isolated but also difficult to access due to underdeveloped road infrastructure, making administrative reach a challenge. Granting Budhal district status will help bring essential services closer to the population.
Despite its size and population, Budhal was neglected by the successive governments. Lack of basic amenities like healthcare, education, and transport infrastructure has hindered the region’s growth.
“District status would ensure focused attention, quicker implementation of government schemes, and better governance in these backward areas” , people said.
Budhal has historical and cultural significance, with a diverse population that includes various ethnic groups contributing to the rich heritage of the region. Its distinct identity calls for district status, like other areas with comparable population and historical relevance.
Waqar Lone said that Budhal’s far-flung areas are difficult to manage from Rajouri’s district headquarters. Creating a new district will ease the administrative burden on Rajouri and improve the efficiency of public services in the region.
Located in between the main Pir Panjal Range of mountains and the natural scenic beauty of Koteranka, Kandi and Budhal is not less than that of the terrain of Kashmir but unfortunately not developed for tourism purposes by the previous governments.

People of Budhal feel that the region has the potential for eco-tourism, horticulture, and agriculture, all of which can be better developed with the focused attention of district administration.
Main Investment in infrastructure, such as roads and communication, will also increase economic opportunities for the people of Budhal.
Keeping in view the welfare and economic growth of the people and the area, the people of Budhal have appealed to Prime Minister, Home Minister, BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chug, to direct the concerned to initiate the process to grant district status for Budhal.
“By doing this the government will not only bring governance closer to the people but also set a new course for development in the region. This is not just a demand; it is a step toward equitable growth, empowerment, and long-overdue justice for the people of Budhal” said Waqar Lone on behalf of people of Budhal region.