Under the leadership of Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, the Sunam Municipal Council has taken yet another historic decision in the interest of the people by permanently resolving the long-pending issue of the Old Grain Market (Purani Mandi), which had remained unresolved for nearly four decades.
The first special meeting of the newly constituted House of the Sunam Municipal Council was held under the chairmanship of Acting Senior Vice President Yadwinder Nirman. The meeting commenced with the National Anthem. During the meeting, a landmark decision was taken in favour of the residents and shopkeepers of the Old Grain Market by officially withdrawing the controversial redevelopment plan formulated during previous governments.
Speaking to the media, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that the Old Grain Market was de-notified in 1984 during the tenure of previous governments, following which a proposal was made to construct new commercial establishments in front of the existing houses and showrooms. This led to a prolonged legal dispute between the local residents and the Municipal Council. Although the Municipal Council had secured a favourable verdict from the High Court, the present government is firmly against displacing people from their homes and businesses.
Aman Arora said, "During the elections, the opposition attempted to mislead the residents of the entire market by claiming that their houses and shops would be demolished and bulldozers would be deployed after the elections. I had assured the people, no one would be allowed to touch their homes or businesses.
Today, in the very first meeting of the Municipal Council, we have fulfilled that promise by resolving this 40-year-old issue." He further clarified that, considering the city's present population density and traffic conditions, the Municipal Council has no proposal to construct any new shops or commercial establishments at the site that could obstruct public movement or cause inconvenience to residents.
Following this historic decision, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora congratulated the residents of the Old Grain Market, the people of Sunam, and all the dignitaries and public representatives who played a significant role in highlighting and pursuing this public-interest issue.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Council President Manpreet Bansal, Vice President Meena Rani, Municipal Councillor Mahi Mahant, who represents the concerned ward, along with all other Municipal Councillors.