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Photo Credit: Anzer Ayoob (Journalist The Chenab Times) |
Thathri, a town nestled on the banks of the Chenab River, has grown into a significant urban hub in Jammu and Kashmir. Established as a Municipal Committee in 2010, Thathri serves as a vital link between the upper villages and the more developed regions along the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway. With a population of 1,486 registered individuals (according to the 2011 Census) and a daily floating population of up to 15,000, Thathri has become a thriving town full of history, culture, and development potential.
Geography and Population
Located around 220 kilometers from Jammu, Thathri spans a radius of 1.5 km and is divided into seven wards. Though the registered population is relatively small, the town has a dynamic, growing community, bolstered by its strategic position along National Highway 244. In addition to its permanent residents, Thathri experiences a significant influx of people from surrounding villages, contributing to its vibrant character.
Wards of Thathri
Thathri is divided into seven wards, each representing a distinct residential and cultural area. These wards are integral to the town's administration and local governance. The wards of Thathri are:
- Paddar-Nayi Basti
- Arif Mohalla
- Chinar Mohalla
- Masjid Mohalla
- Khan Mohalla
- Mandir Mohalla
- Butt Mohalla
These wards play a crucial role in the town's growth and provide basic amenities to the residents, ensuring a balanced development across the entire town.
Historical Significance
Historically, Thathri was part of the Jangalwar region, a territory that was once ruled by various kings. The town's location on the Chenab River played a key role in its development. Over the years, Thathri has been witness to the migration of people, especially during periods of conflict, when many families from nearby villages settled here. It is also home to notable figures such as Ali Muhammad (Waaz Khan), a prominent religious preacher who arrived from Kashmir in the 1970s, and Jalal Uddin Ahmed, a renowned poet from the area.
Key Infrastructure and Institutions
Thathri boasts key infrastructure that meets the needs of its residents. The Community Health Centre (CHC Thathri), located in the main chowk, provides vital medical services. Educational institutions, including government and private schools, cater to the town’s diverse student population. The town is also home to more than eight mosques and a main Hindu temple, showcasing its cultural and religious diversity.
Streets of Thathri
Thathri’s streets are the lifeblood of its development and growth. Here is an overview of the major streets in Thathri, along with their locations:
- Al-Nahr Street Al-Nahr Street starts near R.P Gate on National Highway, runs along the bank of a rivulet, and connects to the circular road. This rivulet is often filled with rainwater.
- Al-Bakr Avenue Al-Bakr Avenue begins near Abu Bakr Masjid (also known as Arif Mohalla Masjid) on National Highway and runs through residential areas, eventually connecting to the circular road. This street passes by various homes and is a key residential area.
- Chenab Avenue Chenab Avenue begins at Eid Gah in Arif Mohalla, passing through the Chenab Times offices and several residential houses, before reaching EPS School. This street is an important part of the town’s infrastructure.
- Harmony Crescent Street Starting at the State Bank of India branch building, Harmony Crescent Street runs through residential areas and leads to the circular road, offering access to various parts of the town.
- Falah Street Falah Street starts from near the Electronic Transformer on National Highway, passes through residential areas including the house of Abdul Majid Butt (the first KAS officer of Thathri), and ends near the Government Degree College Thathri.
- Munawar Avenue Beginning near the Social Welfare Office, Munawar Avenue passes through residential areas including the home of prominent citizen Master Munawar Din, and leads to other parts of Thathri.
- Circular Road The Circular Road starts in the middle of town, running alongside the Chenab River and passing through Chinar Mohalla, Government Degree College, before ending near the Graveyard Thathri.
- Silver Colony Located near the National Academy building in Masjid Mohalla, Silver Colony is a residential area that connects to the Post Office and is a key part of the town’s network of streets.
- Sabil Street Sabil Street starts from the Shariq Cosmetics shop, passing through various residential areas and connecting to Munsiff Court Road. This short path is often used to reach important offices in the town.
- Peace Lane Peace Lane starts from Taj Hotel (a well-known namkeen chai hotel) in Main Chowk Thathri and runs upwards through a mix of residential houses, leading to surrounding neighborhoods.
- Noble Street Noble Street begins opposite Arif Zargar’s Jewellery Shop and passes through residential areas, including the house of prominent contractor Maqbool Butt, before leading to Upper Thathri Masjid.
- Riverside Lane Starting near the house of Haroon Ayoub Mattoo (a government official) on National Highway, Riverside Lane runs downward, passing through various residential houses, and ends near the Government Girls' Higher Secondary School Thathri.
- Mandir Street Mandir Street runs from Mandir Mohalla, beginning at the main temple and leading upwards toward Butt Mohalla and Upper Thathri Village, passing through residential areas along the way.
- Shanti Noor Street Shanti Noor Street starts from Royal Mobile Care (prop. Samir Raja) and runs upwards, passing through a mix of residential areas.
Thathri continues to grow and develop as a vibrant town with a rich historical and cultural legacy. The newly named streets represent not only the town’s evolution but also its sense of unity and connection. From Al-Nahr Street along the riverbank to Chenab Avenue, each street tells a story of the town's diverse community and its promise for the future.
As per Thathri.com, the town’s mix of modernity and tradition, alongside its thriving infrastructure, makes it an essential hub in the region. With the continued development of its streets and institutions, Thathri is set to play a pivotal role in the growth of Jammu and Kashmir.