In a first in the country, 200 villages of the state would be developed as “Smart Swachh Villages” within an year by the Punjab government. These villages would have all kinds of ultra modern facilities along with basic infrastructure. Similarly, the Punjab government has set a target that in next five years, 11000 villages of the state would be developed as “Smart Swachh Villages”. This was informed by Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal while visiting the Ultra Modern Sports Park at village Gujjarwal of the district today. He stated that Punjab would become the first state in the country for develop its villages as “Smart Swachh Villages”.While interacting with the media persons, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Punjab government is committed for developing both urban and rural areas in a same planned manner. He said that the within an year, 200 villages would be developed as “Smart Swachh Villages” in the first phase and a special fund of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for this purpose in the state budget 2016-17.
The Deputy CM stated that these 200 villages would have 100 percent potable drinking water, sewerage, WiFi facility, Aanganwari, cemented roads, Sewa Kendras, Sports Grounds, Dispensaries, besides other facilities. Similarly a total of 11000 villages of the state would be developed in the same pattern as “Smart Swachh Villages” in a phased manner within next five years time.Sukhbir Singh Badal said that like the state has led in the country in terms of governance reforms, becoming power surplus, education and basic infrastructure, similarly, Punjab would also be the first state in the country for developing “Smart Swachh Villages”. On a question related to the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, the Deputy CM said that by cancelling the notification in this regard, the Punjab government has put a complete end to the entire issue as the land has been returned to the farmers and the funds spent by Haryana government for this project have already been returned. He said that the Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party leader Mr Arvind Kejriwal is involved in double standards over the issue, which the Punjabis clearly understand. On a question regarding Congress leaders also joining in for filling the canal, Mr Badal quipped that they are just trying to grab a photo opportunity.
While visiting the Sports Park at village Gujjarwal, that has been developed by spending more than Rs 60 lakh, the Deputy CM appreciated the efforts of Dakha MLA Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali and announced that similar sports parks would be developed in other parts of the state as well. While interacting with sportspersons on the occasion, the Deputy CM appealed to them to remain connected with sports. He said that the Punjab government has already spent more than Rs 200 crore on developing sports infrastructure in the state. Mr Ayali briefed the Deputy CM that 45 other such sports parks are being developed in Dakha constituency and work on them is already going on in full swing.On this occasion, the Deputy CM also visited the upcoming sports park and a clean water pond at village Dhaipai.He was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr Sikandar Singh Maluka, Advisor to CM Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Police Commissioner Mr Paramraj Singh Umra Nangal, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat, DIG Mr S K Kalia, Ludhiana Rural SSP Mr Ravcharan Singh Brar, Senior Youth Akali Dal leader Mr Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, Mr Harkinder Singh Ayali, besides several others.