Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a heritage walkway being constructed in the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib at a cost of Rs 18 crore.Giving the details, the Chief Minister said that he is fortunate that Waheguru ji has blessed him with the opportunity to be part of this noble service.
He said that the sacred city of Sri Anandpur Sahib has created history as this land has not only transformed the history of Punjab and the Sikh community but also gave a major turn to the history of India itself. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was on this very historic land that the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on the day of Baisakhi in 1699, established the Khalsa Panth.
The Chief Minister said that even today, Punjabis draw both spiritual and physical strength from this holy site and take inspiration to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that the state government is commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, also known as the ‘Hind Di Chadar’.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is duty bound to develop this pious land due to which the route leading to the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is being developed as a heritage walkway using white marble.The Chief Minister said that the project will be developed at a cost of Rs 25 crore and will be completed by March 31, 2026.
He said that this initiative will further play a major role in developing Sri Anandpur Sahib as a global center for tourism, especially religious tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a large and attractive main gate will be constructed at the entrance to draw the attention of pilgrims and visitors.
The Chief Minister said that shaded trees mentioned in the Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be planted along with the white marble pavement. He said that the 580-meter-long walkway will be mainly divided into two parts one passing in front of the sacred Sarovar (holy pool) and the other forming steps leading up to the Takht Sahib, ensuring convenience for the devotees.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on both sides of the walkway, through splendid paintings and artistic techniques, the history of the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth Sri Anandpur Sahib will be beautifully depicted adding that besides the main gate, additional gates will be constructed along the routes leading to the Sarovar and the parking areas to maintain architectural uniformity in design.
Meanwhile, interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the state government will vehemently raise the issue of joining all the five Takhts through Rail route with the Union Government. He said that it is the need of hour to facilitate the people on one hand and give boost to religious tourism in the other.
Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced that the state government will give much needed push to start work on Sri Anandpur Sahib-Mata Naina Devi ropeway soon.On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.