Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today dedicated the renovated historic watermills (Gharats) and a newly developed park at Sular to the public, providing a major gift to the residents of the constituency. The project, undertaken by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been completed at a total cost of Rs 60 lakh.
Interacting with mediapersons on the occasion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema congratulated the residents of Sular and said that the historic watermills had remained in a dilapidated condition for a long time. He noted that these are perhaps the only surviving historic watermills of their kind in Punjab, making their preservation extremely important.
The Finance Minister said that the Rs 60 lakh project not only restored and renovated the watermills and traditional grinding units but also transformed the surrounding area into an attractive public space. A modern and well-equipped park has been developed for children and local residents. In addition, new rooms have been constructed for the staff of the Canal Department to facilitate their work.
He further informed that the canal channel has been lined with concrete to prevent future breaches and ensure the smooth and efficient flow of water. The responsibility for maintaining the project has been entrusted to the village Sarpanch and the Gram Panchayat, who will oversee its upkeep in coordination with the Canal Department.
Speaking about the canal water supply, Cheema said that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, the state has delivered 10 percent more canal water to farmers’ fields than its officially allocated share. He added that videos of happy farmers from villages across the state are emerging, reflecting the success of the initiative.
Greater utilisation of canal water will help conserve Punjab’s rapidly depleting groundwater. He also thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for this historic initiative and for his continued commitment to protecting Punjab’s land and water resources.
Among those present on the occasion were Improvement Trust Sangrur Chairman Pritam Singh Peetu, OSD Tapinder Singh Sohi, Chairman of Market Committee Sular Harvinder Singh Chhajli, Trade Wing Halqa In-charge Ajay Bansal, the village Sarpanch, other prominent residents, and a large gathering of people from Sular.