Tribute
By NS Napalchyal (Retd IAS)
Major General BC Khanduri (Retd) will always be remembered for his contribution especially in the field of the roads sector. He was rightly known as the modern day Sher Shah Suri. Those going from Haridwar to Najibabad prior to 2008 would remember that there were half a dozen causeways which became intractable during the monsoons and the vehicles had to be driven through the fast flowing waters which often swept away the heavy vehicles what to mention the cars. Once the brother of then Haryana Chief Minister Hooda was swept away in the currents.
It was the late Khanduriji who had bridges built across all those streams and saved several lives. He was a no-nonsense administrator and always spoke his mind. There was no duplicity about him. I used to regularly interact with him as the Home Secretary He was for setting up the State Security Council. He had invited Ajit Doval and a few other experts for consultation. We had subsequently made a provision in the Police Act for the State Police Board to be set up to deliberate and advise the government on the security and policy issues. There are many instances of his fair-mindedness which I would like to share on some other occasion.
In his second term before the 2012 state elections, he had become indispensable for the state. Khanduri Zaroori Hai was the slogan coined during those days but he lost his own seat of Kotdwar and was relegated in state politics. He was an illustrious son of Uttarakhand and a great patriot. We have lost a rare leader.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and his numerous followers and admirers. May his noble soul find eternal peace!
