NAWANSHEHAR: Power connections to tubewells in barren lands in the Kandi area of Punjab would be provided on priority basis to facilitate more irrigation facilities in the area.

This was stated by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal after inaugurating the 10.36 km long Kular-Tibba Nangal Road in Balachaur, constructed at accost of Rs 4.70 crore, Saturday. The road is expected to reduce the distance between Balachaur and Bunga hilly area by nearly 30 km thereby helping the movement of hilly people in a big way. The CM added that the state government would chip in with 95 per cent of grants in projects aimed at providing potable water in Kandi. The Kandi people would have to contribute only 5 per cent of the cost against 10 per cent required by people in other areas in the state, said Badal who listed some other measures aimed at lifting the standard of living of Kandi people. He lauded the efforts of Swami Chetnaanand of Bhuriwale sect for providing educational facilities in the kandi part of Balachaur. He announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for these institutions. He also announced the naming of Kular-Tibba Nangal Road after Sant Brahmaanad Bhuriwale.

Avinash Rai Khanna MP from Hoshiarpur on the occasion handed over cheques worth Rs 31 lakh for developmental works in the Kandi area to DC Gurpal Singh Bhatti from his discretionary quota.

MLA Nand Lal demanded digging of Kandi canal alongside the hills in the area. A number of local SAD-BJp leaders were present on the occasion.