Municipal Dharamshala scripts a success story TARANUM PORT BLAIR, 3 JULY 2014 The PBMC’s Dharamshala which until a few months ago had been no better than a dreary dungeon unfit for humans, is now far removed from its appalling past. Repeated stories by the Echo group of publications highlighting the inhuman conditions at this particular Dharamshala finally forced the PBMC honchos to renovate the horrific building which can now be counted as one of the best Dharmashalas in the country. The metamorphosis is complete. PBMC’s Dharamshala was established in the year 1967, with the objective of providing shelter to the poor visitors from inter- island who would come to Port Blair either for medical treatment, in search of jobs, for catching a ship for the mainland voyage or for some other reasons. Many of them come from Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Hut bay, Campbell Bay etc to stay here. The renovated Municipal Dharmshala which was inaugurated on 20th September 2013, is not only spick and span but also well equipped with all the necessary and basic amenities. There are two spacious 8-bedded separate dormitories one each for ladies and gents, which can be availed at a very low tariff of Rs. 20/- per bed per day. In addition, there are 6 double bed rooms and the tariff for each room is Rs. 100/ per day. Out of these six bedrooms, one room is kept reserved for emergencies such as seriously sick patient or delivery cases brought to Port Blair. The Dharmshala is fully tiled and kept neat and clean. There are well maintained separate toilets for men and women, separate area is available for washing clothes. Lunch and dinner are provided to the boarders which is again very cheap, just RS.25/- per head, per meal. When visited, this Correspondent found the kitchen very neat and clean and hygienic. There is a separate dining area available for the inmates, which again is properly and neatly maintained. The dining hall is equipped with aqua guard water purifier to provide clean and safe drinking water to the inmates. An LCD TV at the reception takes care of the entertainment and information needs of the inmates. One of the boarders Mrs. Kanak Lata, r/o Diglipur states, “Its second time I am staying here in this Dharmshala. I came here for my mother’s treatment. Since I could not afford a lodge, I preferred staying here. It is a good place and we don’t have any kind of problem. There is no water problem and the food is also good.” Another inmate, a resident of Diglipur, said that his mother is hospitalized in GBPH and since this Dharmshala is quite close to the hospital it is very much convenient for him. The PBMC is taking very good care of the Dharmshala ever since its renovation undertaken by the former PBMC Chairperson, Mr. P.B.Murgan.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 07:07:08 +0000