The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann today initiated development works worth ₹17.72 crore for the development of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. The projects were jointly inaugurated by Rajya Sabha Member and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal Shrine Board, Shri Bal Jogi Pragat Nath.
While inaugurating the development works, Rajya Sabha Member and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal said that no compromise would be made in the development of this sacred place. He said that everyone should pledge to build a better society by following the path of love, sacrifice and service to the poor and needy as shown by Bhagwan Valmiki Ji.
He added that the immortal epic Ramayana, composed by Adi Kavi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, would continue to guide humanity on the path of truth forever. He further stated that this is the first government led by the Aam Aadmi Party that is sincerely working for the welfare of the underprivileged and is fully committed to the development of Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji’s holy shrine.
On the occasion, Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed media persons that the State Government would spend ₹17.72 crore on the development of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal. He said that works worth around ₹2.8 crore would include painting and polishing of the main temple, repair of pillars along the approach road to the temple and silicon cutting of sandstone.
In addition, works worth ₹3.74 crore would be undertaken for cleaning and rejuvenation of the holy sarovar, including removal of sludge, filling of clean sand and other related development works.He further stated that repair work of the Sangat Hall stonework, Langar Hall, Sarai and Panorama Hall painting would be carried out at a cost of ₹2.42 crore. Around ₹1.74 crore would be spent on providing new furniture, air-conditioners and other facilities in the Sarai for devotees.
Besides this, over ₹5 crore would be spent on increasing the capacity of the STP, renovation of all bathrooms, installation of new ACs and geysers, fire safety systems and other works. He asserted that the government faces no shortage of funds for the development of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal.
Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Bhagwan Valmiki Ji’s Pragat Diwas would be celebrated on a grand scale in October 2026, with devotees expected to arrive from across India and abroad. He added that all development works would be completed within the stipulated time.
On this occasion, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal Shrine Board, Shri Bal Jogi Pragat Nath, said that he would perform the responsibility entrusted to him by the Punjab Government with full dedication. He said that Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal is renowned across the world for its spiritual significance and every effort would be made to ensure proper facilities and services for visiting devotees.
He also stated that further attention would be given towards beautification of the shrine complex.Among those present on the occasion were MLA Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MLA S. Jaswinder Singh Ramdas, Majha Coordinator of Nasha Mukti Morcha Madam Sonia Mann, Majha Zone Secretary Shri Ravinder Hans, District President SC Wing Dr. Inderpal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner S. Rupinderpal Singh, General Manager Shri Madhur Bhatia, Shri Pawan Darawind, Shri Kumar Darshan, SDM Manveer Singh Dhillon, Dalit Development Board Chairman Vijay Danav, Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Chandan Grewal, Tourism Officer S. Sukhman Singh and a large number of devotees.