Chandigarh : Raising a long-pending public safety issue in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh today urged the Punjab Government to honour its earlier agreement with the management of Gurdwara Mata Sundari, managed by the Budha Dal Samparday under the leadership of Baba Balbir Singh, and provide alternative land for the relocation of the shrine situated on the Airport Road.
The issue was raised during the Question Hour on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Kulwant Singh directed his question to Housing and Urban Development as well as Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, seeking clarification on the government's stand regarding the relocation of the Gurdwara and implementation of the previously agreed rehabilitation package.
Addressing the House, the Mohali MLA said the Gurdwara Mata Sundari is located in the middle of the Airport Road, a major arterial route connecting Mohali with Chandigarh International Airport. He pointed out that when the road was constructed nearly 14 years ago, a detour had to be created around the shrine, resulting in four sharp turns on the busy stretch.
Kulwant Singh said these dangerous curves have become a major road safety hazard over the years, leading to a large number of accidents. According to him, hundreds of people have suffered injuries, while nearly 50 to 60 persons have lost their lives in accidents on the stretch since the road became operational.
The MLA informed the House that the government had earlier reached an agreement with the Gurdwara management to facilitate the relocation of the shrine. As per the agreement, the management was to be allotted three acres of alternative land for constructing a new Gurdwara, besides financial assistance of Rs. 2.93 crore for rebuilding the religious structure at the new site.
He further stated that this was the second time such an agreement had been reached with the Gurdwara management, reflecting the willingness of both sides to find an amicable solution.
However, Kulwant Singh expressed concern that instead of implementing the agreement, the gurdwara management had recently been served a notice regarding cancellation of the land allotment and had been asked to enter into fresh discussions for a new agreement. He urged the government to honour its earlier commitment and expedite the relocation process to eliminate the hazardous road alignment.
Responding to the issue, Housing and Urban Development and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian assured the House that the matter would be resolved. The minister said the government was committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution while safeguarding both public interest and the sentiments of the Gurdwara management.