Public pressure awakens AAP's Mann govt from deep slumber
After years of neglect and repeated pleas, it was ultimately the efforts of local residents and religious volunteers that spurred the Punjab government into action.
The long-deteriorated road from Chhappar Chiri Khurd to Chhapar Chiri Kalan —leading to the historic Gurdwara Sri Fateh Jang Sahib, built in the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's legendary Chappar Chiri battle against the Mughal Empire— has finally seen the beginning of renovation.
The restoration work began on Saturday, thanks to the initiative of village residents, social workers, and prominent Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parvinder Singh Sohana.
Following their efforts, the Punjab government Sunday officially commenced work on the road from the Kharar side.
Welcoming the government's delayed yet decisive action, Sohana said, 'The government has finally woken up from its deep slumber.
It's a praiseworthy move to allocate Rs 3.77 crore for the upgradation of the road leading to such a significant historical and religious site. 'Better late than never.'
He added that the government's response only came after community members themselves began road repair work from Chhapar Chiri Kalan side. 'Only after the sangat, with our support, started the work yesterday did the government take notice. They have now acknowledged the issue and taken responsibility,' he said.
Highlighting the urgency, Sohana stated that the annual Fateh Diwas is celebrated every May, and this year, the nagar kirtan is scheduled to begin from this location on May 12, en route to Fatehgarh Sahib.
'Considering the heavy footfall during these events, we started the roadwork on our own yesterday with the support of local panchayats and sangat,' he said.
He said that numerous appeals had been made to the government earlier, but no action was taken until now.
The SAD leader criticised the poor condition of link roads throughout the Mohali constituency. 'The state of all link roads in the Mohali area is deplorable. The government must now pay serious attention to infrastructure development so the public can get much-needed relief — and the administration can begin to fulfil its promises,' he said.
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