Jaunsar, Chakrata made accessible

It was a new beginning for the people living in the tribal area of Jaunsar in Dehradun district. On Wednesday, the colonial 8216;gate system8217;, regulating the accessibility of the area and its tehsil headquarters at Chakrata, was done away with and barriers removed, ending the control of the Indian Army on the road to Chakrata since 1901. At a public function held at Chakrata, Congress MP from Tehri, Vijay Bahuguna gave a green signal to vehicular traffic amid loud cheers from the local residents. Work on a new and wide metalled road, at a cost of Rs 32 crore, will also start soon.

Restrictions were in force on the road to Chakrata, located 90 km from the state capital, because of safety concerns. The road is narrow and sensitive defence establishments are located in the area. The up and down traffic from the area had a fixed timing and it caused immense inconvenience to the local residents. For the past many years, local population had been demanding abolishing of the 8216;gate system8217;. Finally, with the efforts of Bahuguna, a decision was taken by the Centre to do away with the restrictions.