Punjab’s AAP govt to give Bathinda a big development push

22 Aug 2022 CW Team

From an artificial beach to developing new urban estates, Bathinda, the largest city in southern Punjab, is all set for organised urban development. Although politically significant, Bathinda is one of the less developed districts of Punjab.

Now, according to official sources, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has given in principle approval for various projects and the Chief Minister’s office is personally overseeing the development proposals for Bathinda, including the conversion of part of the land of the defunct Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant (GNDTP) for recreational projects.

“Spread over an acre, a man-made lake used previously by the power generation facility will be upgraded for water sports and an amusement park. About two acres will be used to develop a food court, including a pub, whereas another equal space near the lake is proposed to be converted into an artificial beach,” said an official.

Professional agencies will be engaged for proper infrastructure planning of the land now owned by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA).

The state authorities recently convened a meeting in Chandigarh to review the development projects of Bathinda.

To expedite the project, the government has decided to go for a land pooling scheme for development where existing land owners are roped in as partners. Development of phases 6 and 7 of Model Towns has been entrusted to the BDA.