Chheharta: From industrial hub to forgotten township

Once a thriving industrial township with a distinct identity, Chheharta’s story is now one of decline and neglect. Located on the outskirts of the holy city of Amritsar, Chheharta was a bustling hub, home to over a dozen large mills and numerous small-scale factories, power looms and handlooms.

The township’s history is intricately linked with that of the illustrious Dang family, particularly Satyapal Dang, a legendary communist leader who famously defeated then-Chief Minister Gurmukh Singh Musafir in 1967. Satyapal, who also served as the first president of Chheharta Municipal Committee, played a pivotal role in shaping the township’s identity. Alongside his wife Vimla, who was also an elected representative, the Dangs made Chheharta their home for over half a century, leaving an indelible mark on the township’s history.

However, Chheharta lost its separate Municipal Committee status in 1977 when Amritsar was declared a city under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act. Today, the township is a shadow of its former self, with only two industrial units remaining—a textile unit and a bottling plant. The once-thriving industrial complexes have now made way for concrete houses, a stark reminder of the township’s lost glory.

The decline of Chheharta’s industrial activity has also led to a loss of identity, with the township now barely distinguishable from the surrounding areas. Once a place distant from Amritsar, it is now an integral part of the city but has failed to develop at the same pace as the city areas.

“Apart from industrial units and a few agricultural fields, the vast land between Amritsar and Chheharta was barren. Going to Chheharta was like traveling to another time, but not anymore,” said Didar Singh, an old-timer.

As Amritsar continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to remember the contributions of townships like Chheharta, which once played a vital role in shaping the region’s economy and identity, and the legacy of the Dangs and the working-class community that once thrived in Chheharta.