Indian Army under operation sadbhavana has been making a concerted effort to reach out to the local public in insurgency-hit remote areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K. The foundation stone for model village Sagra in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district was laid on January 3, 2001 over an unfertile, rocky and mountainous land. The aim of this project was to provide a healing touch to the poorest of the poor living close to the LoC. Under this operation, the Army has been providing the local residents with basic amenities including electricity, water, education and health facilities. Computer training has been imparted to them for self-employment.

It goes to the credit of the Indian Army troops who in conjunction with civil administration and local public has converted the area into a model village. Built with an outlay of over 57 lakh donated by the Army and about 5 lakh by the civil administration, the complex is designed to provide various facilities required for economic and social development of the region.

Taking into consideration the social and financial development of people living in Sagra and nearby, a project is being launched in which following facilities would be provided.

Sagra Primary School : The main objective of this school is to provide standard primary education and thus initiating the step to root out illiteracy from this area. Besides this, it provides games and other entertainment facilities for their physical development.

Vocational Training Centre (Men): Unemployment which is the root cause of militancy will be tackled by training the people in works like welding, carpentary and vehicle mechanism so as to make them self-dependant. Besides, a driving school is also being opened where not only will the locals be taught driving, but also assistance will be provided to them to get driving licences and loan from banks to buy their own vehicles.

Vocational Training Centre (Women) : To make women self dependant, training is provided to them in sewing, knitting and crafting.

Multipurpose Complex : This complex has a well-equipped computer laboratory which orients the literates towards the modern telecommunication systems. Beside this, a typing centre, library containing all types of books of all languages and entertainment facilities have also been provided.

Community Development Centre : A hospital with all medical facilities has been set up under this project.

Veterinary Aid Post : To improve the products of animals, prophylaxis and treatment facilities have been provided at this post.

Drinking Water Scheme : Under this scheme, Clean water has been provided for drinking. Power-cut had always been a problem in this area. To provide continuous electricity, two power stations have been provided.

The civil administration also extended valuable assistance to this project. The model village, Sagra, is an example of Army’s commitment to nation - building.