Thathri, a historical and commercially significant town in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, holds a unique place in the Chenab Valley's narrative. Located along the left bank of the Chenab River, Thathri lies on National Highway 244, serving as a gateway to various picturesque regions. Over the years, the town has evolved from a relatively unknown area to a center of growing importance, both administratively and culturally.

Historically, Thathri was known as Jangalwar and was one of the districts of Bhaderwah during the 17th century. This district was ruled by Sardar Gambir Singh of Kandhote, an influential leader of the time. As the years progressed, the region saw significant settlement activity, with people from present-day Jangalwar village, Phagsoo, Tipri, and Badanoo moving to what is now Thathri.

By 1980, Thathri had grown enough to be detached from Bhaderwah, where it had previously functioned as a Niyabat (mini-tehsil), and was declared a full-fledged tehsil. However, until 2015, Thathri remained a relatively obscure town, rarely mentioned in larger discussions about the Chenab Valley.

In 2010, Thathri was upgraded to the status of a town, further cementing its administrative importance. On 23 July 2014, the area was elevated to a subdivision, which now comprises five tehsils: Thathri, Phagsoo, Kahara, Bhella, and Chiralla. The town gained further political significance when its first municipal elections were held in October 2018.

Thathri's geographical importance stems from its location as a connecting hub and its adjacency to tehsils such as Drabshalla and Mahalla, which are only 4 km and 14 km away, respectively. The region’s administrative evolution continues to spur discussions about its potential elevation to a district, highlighting its growing prominence in the Chenab Valley.

The rise of digital media has played a crucial role in bringing Thathri into the limelight, thanks largely to the contributions of Anzer Ayoob, a prominent journalist from the region. He has contributed to various national and international news outlets and authored three booklets, including The Power of Local Journalism, which also highlights his journey from Thathri. Born in Thathri, his family was among the first settlers to build a residential home in the area at a time when it had very few buildings. Through his relentless efforts, Anzer Ayoob has documented and highlighted 80% of the available information about Thathri online, raising awareness about the region's issues, culture, and history. His work has been pivotal in putting Thathri on the map in the age of digital storytelling.

Thathri has faced its share of challenges. On 22 July 2017, a devastating flash flood claimed six lives and destroyed six homes in the area. More recently, on 1 February 2023, the town suffered from land subsidence, which displaced 300 people and rendered 23 homes unsafe. A landslide eight days later further disrupted the region by blocking NH-244.

Despite these challenges, Thathri continues to develop. As of 2019, the town remains underdeveloped but is steadily progressing as a key center of the Doda district. The demand for Thathri to be declared a district has gained traction, driven by its administrative importance, population spread across multiple tehsils, and strategic location.

The growing call for district status is fueled by the fact that Thathri subdivision includes five tehsils (Thathri, Phagsoo, Kahara, Bhella, and Chiralla) and is closely linked with Drabshalla and Mahalla. Advocates emphasize the region's eligibility for a separate Assembly constituency, a dedicated tourism authority, and district recognition. However, the lack of progress on these demands echoes the neglect seen in past delimitation exercises of 1978 and 1995, leaving residents disillusioned about their political representation.

For more updates and insights into Thathri’s rich history and ongoing developments, stay connected with Thathri.com.

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