The work on the much awaited Sidhwan Canal Water Front project started from today onwards.The foundation stone of this project was laid by Punjab Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu during a function held here today.While speaking on the occasion, Mr Bharat Bhushan Ashu said that this project envisages development of the stretch along the Sidhwan canal, starting from Pakhowal Road till Ludhiana MC Zone D office near Ferozepur Road, as an open public space for citizens of the city. The total cost of this project is Rs 4.75 crore. The total length of this stretch is approximately 1100 metres and the width varies from 20–22 metres.Mr Bharat Bhushan Ashu said that the 1.15 Km stretch was identified for landscape development of Sidhwan canal front in the first phase of Smart City Project. He informed that this project includes developing a green belt, dedicated cycling track, playing zone, dedicated footpath along canal, sitting areas, wall climbing activities etc. In the second phase, Sidhwan Canal (from Pakhowal Road to Dugri Road) would be developed. He further informed that green belts, plus dedicated cycle track on both sides double road along canal, etc would be developed here.
Mr Bharat Bhushan Ashu informed that the proposed project aligns with the overall goal for Smart City Ludhiana including the creation of better places for people in the city achieved by working on the following strategic objectives such as landscaping of public open green space to revitalise them as urban public interactive spaces, proper lighting to ensure walkable and safe and secure environment, sustainable water management like rain water holding swales and pits for ground water recharge, enhance health and wellness of citizens, promote healthier activities like walking, cycling, jogging etc. He said that the work of Phase 1 would be completed in next 10 months time.Ludhiana MP Mr Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the Capt Amarinder Singh led Punjab government is committed for carrying out overall development of the state. He said that the projects under Ludhiana Smart City project would be completed on priority basis and within the set time frame. He said that the work on Rail Over Bridge and two Rail Under Bridges on Pakhowal Road would also start shortly as the Punjab government has already issued Rs 44 crore to the Railways Department for this purpose.Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mayor Mr Balkar Singh Sandhu, Ludhiana Improvement Trust chairman Mr Raman Balasubramaniam, MC Commissioner Mrs Kanwal Preet Kaur Brar, former MP Mr Amrik Singh Aliwal, councillor Mrs Mamta Ashu, besides several others.