Army has been taking up many projects to reach out to public in the remote areas of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. Of late, under operation Sadbhavana, it has constructed additional classrooms at Middle School, Bhatta in Doda district. Bhatta is located in Ghat area, approximately 16 kms from Doda. Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta inaugurated the newly constructed classrooms. Local Formation Commander, Additional District Commissioner, Doda and other civil dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Army completed this project at a cost of Rs 4,00,000. At present, the school has a strength of more than 250 students from Bhatta, Jodhpur, Bilana, Kilwana, Itwas and surrounding areas.

After the inaugural ceremony, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta interacted with the troops stationed at Bhatta village and discussed in detail the prevailing situation. He witnessed the cultural programme organised by the school-children. The simple inaugural ceremony was marked by unprecedented turnout and the joy of local public was clearly visible.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Gupta exhorted the public to assist Security Forces in eliminating terrorism from the region. He said that Jammu and Kashmir is inseparable part of India and no adversary can take it away. He highlighted Army’s role in the development of far-flung areas along with fighting terrorism in the region. Prof Gupta agreed to spend Rs 5 lakh from MP local area development fund for providing water facilities in the area following a request by the local public.

Giving details of the Sadbhavana projects, local Formation Commander said that funds to the tune of Rs 1.66 crore have been spent on Sadbhavana projects in Doda district since 1998 of which Rs 83 lakh was spent in Doda alone. Construction of schools in Shahi, Guddi and Bhatta was undertaken by Army and all the
works have been completed. The construction of a 10-bed hospital at Goha near Marmat is underway which will be completed shortly.

The local public and civil administration were highly appreciative of the Army's contribution towards development in the area.