BATHINDA: "Various movements waged for the country's independence and the struggles of the revolutionary martyrs and freedom fighters have made us a independent nation and we take pride that during the country's independence struggle, Punjabis made the maximum sacrifices", said Punjab Water Resources, Mining and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, while addressing the residents of Bathinda after hoisting the tricolour at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium to mark the 79th Independence day.
He was accompanied by by MLA Bathinda (Urban) S. Jagroop Singh Gill, MLA Bathinda (Rural) Sh. Amit Ratan Kotfatta, MLA Bhucho Mandi Master Jagseer Singh and DIG Bathinda Range S. Harjeet Singh.
Earlier, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sh. Shaukat Ahmed Parray, SSP Bathinda Mrs. Amneet Kondal and Parade Commander DSP Sh. Ishan Singla, inspected the magnificent parade and took salutation from the march past.
While addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that after taking charge of the office, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann not only took oath at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh, but also decided to install portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the architect of the constitution Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar in government offices.
Highlighting development works done in district Bathinda, the Cabinet Minister said that urban development initiatives have transformed Bathinda's transportation infrastructure, with the completion of Ring Road construction at a cost of Rs.94.11 crores representing a major milestone in the city's growth trajectory. This project has dramatically improved traffic flow, reduced congestion in the city center and enhanced connectivity between different parts of Bathinda. The Ring Road has become a crucial economic corridor, facilitating business development and improving the overall quality of urban life for residents and visitors alike.
He said that ongoing transportation projects include the Multania Bridge construction with an investment of Rs.38.8 crores, scheduled for completion by September 2025. This bridge will provide vital connectivity across water bodies, significantly reducing travel time and transportation costs for thousands of daily commuters. Similarly, the Amarpura Basti Overbridge construction, requiring an investment of Rs.49.8 crore and expected to complete by October 2025, will eliminate traffic bottlenecks and improve safety for both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
He said that sanitation infrastructure has received major attention with comprehensive sewerage pipeline installation in Maur Mandi, Kotsamir and Sangat Mandi at a cost of Rs.34.26 crore. This project addresses long-standing sanitation challenges and will significantly improve public health conditions in these urban areas. The modern sewerage system incorporates advanced waste treatment technologies and proper drainage mechanisms that will handle current and future waste management needs while preventing environmental contamination.
The Cabinet Minister announced Rs.5 lakh grant for Mahant Gurbanta Das School (for special needs children) run by District Red Cross Society. He declared holiday for all schools in the district on August 16.
During the ceremony, magnificent march past contingents including Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards and Civil Defense, NCC boys and girls, NCC Third Punjab Naval, Home Nursing, Scouts and Girl Guides, Punjab Police and Army Second Jat Band, led by Parade Commander DSP Sh. Ishan Singla took salute.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Goyal also honoured freedom fighters and war widows by distributing sewing machines and tricycles to the needy, while also recognizing participating students and achievers from various fields including officers and employees, farmers who refrained from stubble burning, sports champions, environmentalists and representatives of social service organizations.