JALANDHAR: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), led by its Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal, has urged the Governor of Punjab to immediately intervene and direct the state government to halt the sale and transfer of historic and heritage properties across Punjab.
In a letter addressed to the Governor, Chahal expressed deep concern over reports that several government-owned heritage sites are being treated as commercial assets. He stated that “these historic buildings and landmarks are not just real estate—they are living symbols of Punjab’s glorious past and cultural identity.”
Chahal warned that selling such properties for short-term financial gain would cause irreversible damage to Punjab’s cultural heritage and hurt the sentiments of Punjabis worldwide. “Generations before us preserved these treasures through hardship and sacrifice; it is now our duty to protect them, not to auction them off, ” he added.
NAPA appealed to the Governor to:
Direct the Punjab Government to immediately stop any ongoing or proposed sale or transfer of heritage properties.
Form a Heritage Protection Committee comprising historians, conservationists, and community representatives to evaluate such assets.
Explore alternative preservation models, such as heritage tourism and cultural partnerships, instead of selling these historical sites.
NAPA reaffirmed its readiness to assist the Punjab Government by offering expertise and global community support for the preservation and restoration of Punjab’s invaluable heritage