Punjab Post Daily Online Newspaper & Print Media
Badal Vows To Make Every Sacrifice To Protect River Waters Of The State
Amritsar, Dec 1 (Punjab Post Bureau) – Asserting that Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) would never become a reality, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today avowed to make every sacrifice to protect the river waters of the state. Addressing a massive gathering during a state level function on the dedication of Temple cum Panorama complex at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) here today, the Chief Minister categorically stated that Punjab didn’t have a single drop of spare water for anyone. Emphasizing that water was basic ingredient of life and any such move to share the river waters of the state would be disastrous as it would turn Punjab into desert, he said that every Punjabi was ready to make any sacrifice for this cause. “Not only me but every Punjabi was duty bound to oppose this move and all of us should take pledge on this sacred place to protect the river waters of the state at any cost” added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that the state government on its part has already de-notified the land acquired for this canal and returned to the original owners and their lineal descendents. However, he said that now every Punjabi was duty-bound to secure the rights of river waters. The Chief Minister said that the state of art historical monument cum Temple with inbuilt Museum and Panorama at Sri Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) was a humble tribute by the state government to Bhagwan Valmiki ji, who had preached the message of equality and universal brotherhood on this sacred land. He said that this unique project, which has come up at a cost of Rs 200 crore, would be instrumental in perpetuating the rich legacy of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji besides showcasing the teachings, life and philosophy of this great Spiritual ambassador. He said that the world class design of this temple cum museum has been conceived and prepared by the architects of Guru Nanak Dev University while keeping in mind the religious sanctity of this historic place.
Earlier in his address, the Deputy Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the occasion as the one holding special significance in the annals of history of the state. He said that the project has come up at a cost of Rs. 200 crore and would fulfill the spiritual needs of the devotees from all sections of society. Disclosing more, the Deputy Chief Minister further said that the ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme’ has fulfilled the spiritual longings of the people who want to visit their religious places and pay their respects.
Coming to the developmental schemes of the SAD-BJP government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that free power worth 200 units to SC/BC families, shagan scheme, health insurance to the farmers and traders, surplus power, 4-6 laned roads, sewerage facilities, 2 lakh jobs and skill centers with permission granted by Union government for 1000 more such centers has changed the face of Punjab and put it firmly on the world developmental map.
In his address Union Minister of state and state BJP Chief Mr. Vijay Sampla said that the weaker and underprivileged sections of society were overwhelmed and indebted to the Chief Minister for taking such steps to perpetuate the glorious legacy of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Maharaj and Sri Guru Ravidass ji Maharaj. On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike conducted the proceedings of the stage.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Jathedar Ajit Singh Kohar,, Dr Daljeet Singh Cheema and Mr. Anil Joshi, Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dr Charanjeet Singh Atwal, MLAs Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Des Raj Duggha, Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha and Mr. Joginder Singh Jindu, former speaker of state assembly Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Chairman Punjab SC Commission Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Dalit Vikas Board Mr. Vijay Danav, Chairman Safai Karamchari Bhalai Board Mr. Rajkumar Atikaye, Chairman Punjab Gau Sewa Commission Mr. Keemti Lal Bhagat, President BJP SC Morcha Mr. Dushyant Gautam, Akali leaders Mr. Paramjit Singh Pamma, Mr. Lachman Dravid, Mr. Om Parkash Gabbar, Mr. Subash Sondhi, General Secretary of SGPC Mr. Amarjit Singh Chawla, Head of Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa and Chief of Aadhi Dharam Samaj Mr Darshan Rattan Raavan. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.
