Northern Army Commander Inaugurates ‘Banwat Ekta Sthal’ in Poonch: A New Landmark for Unity and Tourism

POONCH, Feb 21: In a major push toward border area development and national integration, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C of the Northern Command, formally inaugurated the Banwat Ekta Sthal today at Bandi Chechiyan village.

Completed in a record-breaking 45 days, this multipurpose facility stands as a symbol of the Indian Army’s commitment to community welfare just 2 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC).

The site’s crowning glory is a majestic 105-foot National Flag, now the tallest in the Poonch district, which was unfurled amidst patriotic fervor to represent India’s sovereignty along the Pir Panjal ranges.

The Banwat Ekta Sthal is designed as a holistic hub for both locals and visitors, featuring a Children’s Park, an Ekta Mandap for mental well-being, and an Ekta Sthal dedicated to regional harmony. Marking the inauguration, the Army organized a massive outreach program, including a blood donation camp, a medical mission, and the distribution of educational kits and winter relief materials to the underprivileged.

Beyond its symbolic value, the project is expected to act as a catalyst for border tourism, creating new avenues for local employment and small businesses.

By blending strategic presence with public utility, the Indian Army aims to bridge the gap between remote border communities and the national mainstream through sustainable socio-economic growth.