Chattergala Pass And Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

Why in News ?

• Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully completed a high-altitude rescue operation and road reconstruction work at Chattergala Pass under Project Sampark.
• The objective of this operation was to restore traffic movement in a difficult mountainous region, ensure smooth military mobility, and provide safe connectivity for local communities.
• Despite extreme weather conditions, heavy snowfall, and landslide challenges, the mission was completed successfully, demonstrating BRO’s strong technical capability and emergency response preparedness.

About Chattergala Pass

Location

• Chattergala Pass is located in the Jammu region of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It lies on the Bhadarwah–Chattergala Axis.
• The pass connects Bani area of Kathua district with Bhadarwah in Doda district.
• It is situated in the Chamba–Doda mountain ranges of the Greater Himalayas.

Geographical Features

• It is a high-altitude mountain pass.
• The region is characterized by:
  • Alpine grasslands
  • Snow-covered peaks
  • Dense deodar and pine forests
  • Narrow and winding mountain roads
• During winters, heavy snowfall often leads to temporary closure of the route.

Biodiversity (Flora & Fauna)

• The area is rich in biodiversity.
• Major wildlife species found here include:
  • Himalayan Monal (State bird of Himachal Pradesh)
  • Ibex
  • Musk Deer
• The region is ecologically sensitive.

Strategic and Security Importance

• The pass:
  • Facilitates rapid movement of armed forces.
  • Supports border surveillance and logistics supply.
  • Plays a vital role in disaster relief and rescue operations.
• It connects remote areas of the Jammu region with the main transport network.

Significance of Project Sampark

• Project Sampark is a major BRO initiative aimed at:
  • Improving road connectivity in border and remote areas
  • Developing all-weather transport routes
  • Strengthening strategic preparedness
• Reconstruction at Chattergala Pass will:
  • Enhance road safety
  • Promote tourism
  • Boost local economic activities

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• BRO is a premier road construction and infrastructure agency of India.
• It primarily provides logistics and infrastructure support to the Indian Armed Forces.

Establishment and Administration

• Established: 7 May 1960
• Objectives:
  • Construction of roads in border areas
  • Infrastructure development in remote regions of northern and northeastern India
• Administrative Control:
  • Under the Ministry of Defence since 2015

Operational Area

• Development and maintenance of:
  • Roads, bridges, and tunnels in India’s border regions
• Also undertakes infrastructure projects in friendly neighboring countries.

Organisational Structure

• Executive Head:
  • Director General Border Roads (DGBR)
• Rank:equivalent to Lieutenant General
• Core Cadre:
  • General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF)
• Also includes officers and personnel on deputation from the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army.

Motto:-“Shrameṇa Sarvam Sādhyam”(Everything is achievable through hard work.)