Fateh Burj at Chappar Chiri in constant war with apathy

Pavneet Singh Chadha

SIX years after it was inaugurated by former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to honour the decisive victory of the Sikhs over the Mughal forces, led by Wazir Khan in 1710, the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial at Chappar Chiri remains in a state of neglect.

Built over 20 acres at a cost of Rs 35 crore, the Fateh Burj (Victory Tower) lacks basic amenities for tourists. The tallest religious minaret in the country, standing at a height of 328 feet, it has three levels, signifying battles of Samana, Sadhaura and Chappar Chiri. However, climbing atop the minaret remains a distant dream in the absence of a lift.

The lifts purchased for it are lying defunct in a storeroom. Sources said GMADA, which is the nodal authority for the maintenance of the memorial, had purchased two lifts from Mitsubishi but these did not match the specifications.

The approach road is in a dilapidated condition. The light of the Sikh dome of the minaret is not functional. “The lights on the mounds are also not operational,” said an employee.

The last event conducted at the 1,200-capacity open air amphitheatre was in June 2016. The authorities have constructed a theatre beneath one of the mounds to give 5D experience to visitors though a film, recreating the Battle of Sirhind. However, the project is yet to start. A private firm, Cuppa, had opened a cafeteria, but it was shut sometime ago. Barring a Verka stall, there is no provision for food for visitors. Gurpreet Singh, visitor service assistant (VSA), at the memorial said no special event was conducted on the birth anniversary of Banda Singh Bahadur.

The visitors’ log book mentions accounts by tourists, lamenting poor amenities. Jasdeep Singh, a local tourist, said the authorities should charge entry fee, which could be used for its maintenance. Harpreet Singh, another tourist, complained of stinking washrooms.

Security remains a concern. No CCTV camera has been installed and cases of theft are rampant. A security guard at the memorial that in September, when a delegation of 40 NRI students from 16 countries visited the site, an incident of carjacking was reported from the makeshift parking area outside the building.

GMADA Additional Chief Administrator (ACA) Rajesh Dhiman, said, “GMADA has written to the Ministry of Tourism on the issue. We shall take steps to organise events at the memorial.” He added that funds were not an issue ans they would install lifts at the memorial soon.

Mohali MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu said, “I am aware of the poor condition of the approach road. I will ask the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Navjot Singh Sidhu, to visit the centre and promote it as an important part of our legacy.”