The Punjab Government is undertaking development and beautification works worth ₹17.72 crore at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. To review the progress of these ongoing projects, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. today chaired a meeting with Shri Bal Jogi Pragat Nath Ji, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal Shrine Board, other saints and religious leaders, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board Shri Dalwinderjit Singh, General Manager Madhur Bhatia, and officials from various departments.
Following the meeting, the Minister paid obeisance at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity and well-being of all. Reviewing the ongoing development works, S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. said that the Punjab Government has already initiated development projects worth ₹17.72 crore, and all works are progressing at a rapid pace.
He informed that out of the total sanctioned amount, ₹3.74 crore is being spent on the cleaning and rejuvenation of the holy Sarovar, including desilting, laying clean sand and carrying out other related development works. He further stated that works worth around ₹2.80 crore include painting and polishing of the main temple, repair of pillars along the approach road to the temple, and silicon cutting of sandstone structures.
The Minister added that works costing ₹2.42 crore include repair of stonework in the Sangat Hall, painting of the Langar Hall, Sarai and Panorama Hall. In addition, approximately ₹1.74 crore is being spent on providing new furniture, air-conditioners and other facilities in the pilgrims' accommodation (Sarai).
He further informed that more than ₹5 crore will be spent on increasing the capacity of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), renovation of all bathrooms, installation of new air-conditioners and geysers, and upgrading the fire safety system. He emphasized that the Punjab Government faces no shortage of funds for the development of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal.
The Public Works Minister directed the officials to ensure that all beautification and development works at the Tirath are completed within the stipulated timeframe. He stressed that special attention must be paid to maintaining the highest quality standards in all works.
He said that upon completion, these projects would not only enhance the beauty of the sacred shrine but also provide better facilities and greater convenience to devotees. On the occasion, Shri Bal Jogi Pragat Nath Ji, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Tirath Sthal Shrine Board, expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for undertaking these development projects.
He said that the sacred Tirath is a centre of faith for millions of devotees, and the works being carried out with the convenience of pilgrims arriving from across the country and abroad in mind are highly commendable. Shri Bal Jogi Pragat Nath Ji also directed the officials to ensure that all ongoing development works at the sacred Shri Valmiki Tirath are completed well before the Pragat Diwas (Birth Anniversary) of Bhagwan Shri Valmiki Ji.
He further instructed that the holy Sarovar cleaning project should also be completed before the Pragat Diwas celebrations. He also called for the initiation of a comprehensive project to provide a permanent solution for sewage disposal, ensuring improved sanitation and long-term maintenance of the sacred shrine.