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 The
Machhal Bowl of Kupwara district in Kashmir consists of seven
villages where there is a lack of civic amenities. Due to
proximity of this area to the LoC, the civil administration
has been facing the problems of insurgency. Hence, the
requirement of providing meaningful assistance in terms of
small scale infrastructures development and long term welfare
measures is felt by the Army. The 16 Madras (Travancore) has
initiated a rural development strategy which aims at providing
value inspired civic action facilities for the local civil
population in the Machhal Bowl. By involving the youth at the
grassroot level in the development of infrastructure, the
battalion has taken up many programmes under operation Sadbhavana.
Under this project, the 16 Madras regularly provides qualified
medical advice and medicines at Dudi and Sahi Memorial
Hospital. Recently a medical and veterinary camp was organised
by the battalion. Dudi wherein specialists of various
disciplines attended to the sick.The camp was inaugurated by
Maj Gen Rajinder Singh, GOC Vajra Division. Dr Ghulam
Ruban, CMO Kupwara and Dr Rashid, Chairman of Blind Relief
Association were also present at the camp. A team of seven
doctors from civil administration and five doctors from Army
Medical Corps attended to the patients. The veterinary camp
was attended by three officials of Animal Husbandry Department
and three doctors from Remount and Veterinary Corps. A total
of 3900 animals were treated by the team.
 The medical and
veterinary camp was appreciated by the civil dignitaries and
all patients. The aged and the infirm who cannot traverse long
distances for specialised treatment were very happy as they
were brought for treatment in the Sadbhavana bus.
Cataract operations performed at the camp gave a new lease of
life to people who were suffering from eye problems.
The battalion also
runs a Sadbhavana bus for school children and civilian
from Dudi to Misri Baihik and back twice everyday. The local
people face lot of difficulties for want of a local transport
in these areas. Two bus stands have also been constructed at
Dudi and Misri Baihik to provide shelter for the waiting
commuters.
The battalion also
developed Dabpal School and Misri Baihik School with its own
resources. The school at Misri Baihik lacked furniture and the
same was provided by the battalion. With a view to groom
sports talents and provide a recreational facility to the
youth of the area, a sports ground has been constructed by 16
Madras in Dudi.
The villages of Thali
Kand Bagudu have been prone to shelling that disturbs normal
civilian activities. Villagers have to vacate their houses
once the shelling starts. The battalion has, therefore, taken
up the task of construction of bunkers in these two villages
so that shelter can be taken during shelling, preventing loss
to limb and life.
input : Maj
Santosh Joseph
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