The historic Sultanwind village, which is a picture of neglect due to the apathy of the authorities, can now see a ray of hope of development as funds have been sanctioned to the councillors of the area.
The area that came under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation in 1978 still waiting for its development with all the political leaders of consecutive governments only giving lip service to them.
The village is said to be about 800 years old and settled much before the inhibition of the holy city of Amritsar.
However, now the government has sanctioned about Rs 1.25 crore each to its three wards for providing water supply, concrete and brick flooring in its roads and lanes, said MC commissioner D.P.S. Kharbanda while talking to The Tribune.
He said the Sultanwind area, which was situated in the periphery of the city, came under three municipal wards and funds had been allotted to councillors of these wards for carrying out developmental works.
The village also came under the ambitious Rs 360-crore Japan Bank International Consortium (JBIC) Scheme under which sewerage would be laid, besides construction of road and other infrastructure of the city.
He said at present planning work was going on and work was likely to be started next year.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would lay the foundation stone for the construction of a Sultanwind bridge on December 11. The bridge would connect the main city with the village.
The century-old bridge was damaged, causing great inconvenience to the commuters. The CM has directed the authorities to complete the bridge within three months.
The corporation has also decided to set up a sewerage treatment plant in the village. Three such plants would be established in the city. The other two sewerage treatment plants would be set up at Bharariwal and Ram Tirath.
Named after Pir Sakhi Sultan, Sultanwind has a historical importance. Guru Hargobind stayed here when he was returning after solemnising his marriage.
Besides Guru Hargobind, prominent Sikhs who came here included Baba Buddaji, Bhai Gurdasji, Bhai Bahloji, Bhai Saloji, Bhai Bidhi Chand.
An old tree of “karir”, where the sixth Guru tied his horse, still exists in the gurdwara.
The slab outside the police station, Sultanwind, shows the names of 135 villagers who fought in the World War I. Seven of them lost their lives in the war.
The residents of the area alleged that the authorities and the political leaders had turned a blind eye towards them. There is no facility to provide clean and safe drinking water to the population of about 35,000 of this area.
The village made the city proud by making supreme sacrifices in all the world wars, Jaiton Morcha, Morcha of Guru Ka Bagh or freedom struggle.
Over 1.38 lakh Indian troops fought in Belgium and France during World War I, many of them Sikhs. The marble slab outside the police station displays that 135 residents of this village participated in World War I.
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