LUDHIANA: The Punjab Government has prepared a comprehensive plan of Rs.5500 crore for the multifaceted development that includes up-gradation of sewerage, roads, water supply and lighting net works of all the towns in the state.

An announcement to this effect was made by Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal during the first round of 'Sangat Darshan' Program being organized first time in Ludhiana. The Chief Minister on Friday covered 11 wards of Dakha Constituency. On this occasion, Badal made it clear that he had no political motive behind Sangat Darshan Program except redressing the problems and complaints of general public on the spot in the greater interest of the people. "Sangat Darshan is providing a unique platform for the elected representatives of the public, Officers and the public itself to carry out state's various development programms in true spirits," said Badal.

Badal also announced that Rs. 240 crore would be spent to revamp the entire sewerage system in Ludhiana city and a 220 KV Grid- Station at a cost of Rs. 20 crore would also be setup by the end of year 2008 to ensure better power supply in the city.He also announced that to facilitate the people regarding the property registration, two new offices would be soon setup.  

A large number of local residents representing all section of society came to highlight their problems. The Chief Minister today covered as many as 11 wards (ward No. 27, 28, 31,57,58,62,63,64,66 and 71) in the city and listened to the grievances of the residents both individually and collectively on the spot, as most of the grievances and demands raised by them related to drinking water, sewerage, electricity and street lighting.  The Chief Minister asked the district administration and Municipal Corporation to jointly prepare an action plan to address to these problems at the top priority within a stipulated time frame.  He also directed the senior officers of different departments to sort out each and every complaint brought into his notice at once. He assured the residents that the scarcity of funds would not to be allowed to come in way of the overall development of the city.

Later, talking to media persons Badal said that all the work estimates would be thoroughly checked by a team of experts headed by Technical Advisor to Punjab Government Lt. Gen. (Retd.) B.S. Dhaliwal and Chief Engineers (Quality Control ) from PWD (B & R) and Mandi Board so that the entire schemes and projects could be implemented efficiently with in a stipulated time schedule. 

Badal was accompanied by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Hira Singh Gabria, Member Parliament  Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Harish Rai Dhanda, Mayor Municipal Corporation, Hakam Singh, MLA Darshan Singh Shivalik, Deputy Commissioner Sumear Singh Gurjar, DIG Ludhiana Range Ishwar Singh and SSP Ludhiana R.K. Jaiswal besides party leaders and workers of SAD & BJP.