Harjot Bains Urges Union Power Minister to Restore Nangal’s Former Glory
Chandigarh, April 19
Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Harjot Bains, met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Saturday to advocate for the revitalization of Nangal, a town centered around the iconic Bhakra Nangal Dam. Bains called for transformative projects to restore Nangal’s historical grandeur and elevate it into a model city and world-class tourist destination.
Proposed Development Initiatives
To put Nangal back on the national tourism map, Bains proposed the following projects:
- Comprehensive Township Redevelopment: Addressing the lack of basic urban amenities like cinema halls, shopping complexes, and recreational centers, Bains suggested transparently leasing vacant land to develop recreational zones, shopping arcades, urban parks, and employment hubs. This would improve residents’ quality of life and generate revenue for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
- Sutlej Riverfront Development: Highlighting the neglected River View Road near Sadan, Bains proposed transforming it into a serene riverfront with walking tracks, cycling paths, eateries, and cultural spaces to attract tourists and provide leisure for locals.
- Scenic Railway Line: Bains suggested reviving the old railway line from Nangal to Bhakra Dam as a tourist attraction, proposing a glass-roof heritage train or light rail service to offer a unique experience through scenic terrain.
- Bhakra Nangal Dam Museum Completion: Urging the completion of the long-delayed museum, Bains emphasized its potential as a center of learning and pride, showcasing India’s engineering marvels. He also proposed a strategic lighting plan to beautify the dam, making it a nighttime attraction akin to global landmarks.
Addressing Lease Policy Concerns
Bains stressed the need for a transparent and modern lease policy to resolve the concerns of thousands of Nangal families facing eviction threats. A clear, humane, and revenue-generating policy would provide security to residents, settle legal disputes, and enable BBMB to earn stable rent, while encouraging private investment.
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Nangal’s Historical Significance
Reflecting on Nangal’s golden era in the 1960s and 70s, Bains described it as one of India’s most beautiful and well-planned towns, with tree-lined avenues and a vibrant cultural life. Lamenting its decline into a “khandar town,” he urged the Union Minister’s intervention to restore its lost vibrancy and rewrite its destiny.
Bains concluded by emphasizing that Nangal seeks not charity but a strategic revival to reclaim its place as a symbol of India’s post-independence progress.
