Lohgarh Memorial: Kanwar Pal Reviews Development Plans for Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial

YAMUNANAGAR/ PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

A review meeting to assess the progress of development works at Lohgarh and discuss the future strategy for the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Foundation Trust was held at the Public Works Department rest house in Vyasapur under the chairmanship of Kanwar Pal, Chairman of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Project Monitoring Committee and former Cabinet Minister.

Chief Minister’s OSD Dr Prabhleen Singh and Trust Member Secretary and SDM Vyasapur Dr Kuldeep Singh were also present at the meeting. The discussions focused on the progress of the proposed grand memorial dedicated to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Lohgarh and various administrative and construction-related issues connected with the development of the project.

During the meeting, Kanwar Pal said a grand memorial dedicated to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur would be developed on approximately 20 acres of land at Lohgarh. The project will include renovation of the historic fort and the boundary wall of the complex, along with the construction of a grand statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

He said the proposed memorial would seek to preserve the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s courage, valour and sacrifice and would also serve as an important centre showcasing the rich historical heritage associated with the Sikh community for future generations.

The meeting reviewed the progress of various development works at the memorial site as well as the works that are still pending. Officials concerned were directed to complete all assigned works within the stipulated timeframe and ensure that the project progresses in accordance with the planned schedule.

Kanwar Pal emphasised the need to maintain quality, transparency and timeliness in all development works associated with the Lohgarh memorial. He directed the officials and agencies concerned to ensure that pending works were taken up and completed within the prescribed deadlines.

Several administrative and construction-related matters were also discussed during the review meeting. The officials were asked to coordinate closely so that issues affecting the progress of the project could be resolved without unnecessary delay.

Among the matters discussed was the proposed organisation of Van Mahotsav and a plantation programme at the project site. The planning of plantation activities was considered an important component of the development work around the memorial.

The meeting also discussed the requirement for appropriate signboards at the site so that visitors can be provided with relevant information and the memorial complex can be developed in an organised manner.

Permission from the Forest Department for construction-related activities was another important issue reviewed during the meeting. Officials were directed to ensure that the necessary permissions and administrative requirements are properly addressed before undertaking activities requiring departmental approval.

The issue of electricity supply to the project site was also discussed. Officials reviewed the arrangements required to ensure adequate power supply for the development and functioning of the memorial complex.

Another major issue considered during the meeting was the demarcation of land surrounding the project area. Officials concerned were asked to take necessary steps regarding the identification and demarcation of the adjoining land so that development activities can proceed in a systematic manner.

The review meeting emphasised coordination between different departments and agencies involved in the Lohgarh project. Since the development of the memorial involves construction, land-related matters, electricity, forestry permissions, plantation and other administrative requirements, officials were directed to work in coordination to ensure smooth implementation.

The proposed memorial is being planned as a significant project to commemorate Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and highlight his historical legacy. According to Kanwar Pal, the development of the memorial, along with the renovation of the historic fort and surrounding complex, will provide future generations with an opportunity to learn about the historical heritage associated with Lohgarh and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

The project monitoring committee also discussed the future strategy of the foundation trust during the meeting. The members reviewed the progress achieved so far and considered the steps required to move the project forward.

Kanwar Pal reiterated that all concerned departments should maintain close coordination and ensure that the work is carried out according to the prescribed standards. He stressed that quality should not be compromised and that administrative and construction-related processes should be completed in a transparent and time-bound manner.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to identify pending issues and assign responsibilities to the concerned officials. The emphasis remained on removing procedural hurdles and ensuring that development activities at Lohgarh progress according to schedule.

The participation of officials from the Forest Department, Electricity Department, Public Works Department, Revenue Department, Rural Development and Panchayats and other agencies reflected the multi-departmental nature of the project.

Among those present at the meeting were DFO Sandeep Saini, Electricity Department XEN Jasmeet Singh, PWD SDO Anurag Jindal, JE Vinay, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam SDO Dharmendra Yadav, Naib Tehsildar Ravinder Singh, BDPO Shabnam Rehlan, RFO Krishna Kumar, Trust Sanction Officer Rajinder Singh, Consultant Nitika Kapoor, Architect Harvinder Singh, Jasmer Singh and other officials and employees.

The review meeting concluded with directions to the concerned departments to maintain coordination and complete the identified works within the stipulated timeframe. The project monitoring committee reiterated the importance of quality, transparency and timely execution in the development of the Lohgarh memorial.

POD/DESK