Amritsar-Dera Baba Nanak road to be widened, says Jail Minister

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 16

Punjab Jail Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa unfurled the national flag at Guru Nanak Dev stadium during the 73rd Independence Day celebrations here on Thursday.

He announced that the main road from Amritsar to Dera Baba Nanak, connecting Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, would be widened by 33 feet at the cost of Rs 88 crore. It would facilitate the devotees who want to pay obeisance at the historic place where the first Sikh master, Guru Nanak Dev, spent his last days. He said the work for widening the road had already started on Tuesday. Initially, the road till Fatehgarh Churian will be widened following which the project would cover Dera Baba Nanak.

Addressing the gathering, he said the Punjab government was spending Rs 3,462 crore for different projects initiated to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. He said the government was developing around 70 villages visited by the Guru.

He said the government was taking all possible measures to curb the drug menace from the border state. Till now, 27,799 cases under the NDPS Act have been registered in which around 33,756 drug traffickers have been arrested thereby smashing the drug network at local level. He said the concerted drive would continue in the future also. He urged the people to make it a peoples’ campaign in order to win the war against the drug abuse.

On the occasion, he honoured the family members of freedom fighters.

The Punjab police, NCC, jail guards and school bands presented an impressive parade, which was led by ACP, Headquarters, Sukhnaz Singh. He also honoured the employees and officials who did commendable job in their respective fields. Among others who were present on the occasion were Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla, District and Sessions Judge KS Kang, Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu, MLAs Raj Kumar Verka, Harpartap Ajnala, Tarsem Singh DC, Inderbir Bolaria, Sunil Datti, senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Raj Singh Lalli Majithia and others.

Know our forces: Panther Division

The Panther Division organised ‘Know our forces: Military equipment, band and motorcycle display’ at Guru Nanak Dev University. The event was attended by war veterans, civil dignitaries and students. The aim was to generate and promote patriotic fervor and pride for country among the schools and college students besides showcasing Indian Army’s capabilities, ethos and culture to motivate youth to join Army.

Students were excited to witness daredevilry acts besides enjoying the display of artillery guns. A three-km mini marathon for schoolchildren was also organised as part of Run for Fun event at the GNDU.

Verka’s celebrations at Jallianwala Bagh

Punjab State Warehousing Chairman Raj Kumar Verka unfurled the national flag at Jallianwala Bagh. He called upon the youth to help the state government in its concerted drive against rampant drug abuse. MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla was also present. Schoolchildren performed a ‘natak’ (play) and sang patriotic songs.

Flag hoisted at AIT

Newly-appointed Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) chairman Dinesh Bassi unfurled the flag at the office to celebrate the day. He asked the officials and employees to work honestly which would be a true tribute to the martyrs.