The Alu Chak Farm in Dhanaulti remains famous for its potato production in the hill State. However, the identity is blurring now with acres of land lying barren. To revive economy, the slopes here could be utilised for tourism, say the people. Or they could be developed on the lines of Auli’s skiing resort.The horticulture department has a sprawling farm in heart of Dhanaulti. Before 2000, potato production was good in the farm. The farm used to produce potato for seed. The potato produced from here had good demand in Tehri district and in the plains as well. It was considered better than other potato seed.
In 2006, the fertile land of the farm was given on lease to a private company for a meager amount. Since this, the agricultural activities started declining fast. The extent to which the firm was neglected was evident from the fact that even the fruit trees in the farm were destroyed. The situation today is that the farm which used to earn lakhs of rupees annually is now just providing the meager lease rent.
Things have worsened for the villagers as the plan for setting up a hospital here is hanging in balance for dearth of land. The rural people keep on suffering due to lack of medical services.Something must be done to help the people here out of the mess they are in. The place is loaded with untapped tourism potential. The slopes should be used to attract tourists. Artificial snow can be laid there to give it a fascinating glow, said villagers like Pradhan Sunita Devi , Vinita Devi, Kuldeep Negi, Tejram Chamoli.
Om Prakash Uniyal, another villager, said a hospital must be opened here to cater to the medical needs of the people. “We have demanded the District Magistrate to clear decks for it. Hope, things would prove positive in the coming days,” he added.