Chandigarh : Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij said that “I have received immense love from the people of Ambala Cantonment, and that love is my strength to work. I have no other support except that of the people. Your power is my powerhouse, whenever my battery runs low, it’s your love that recharges me. With your support, I confront even the biggest challenges.” He recited Punjabi lines and said that “Roya karega sanu yaad karke, je Rab na kare main chala jawaan seedhiyaan chadh ke” (You will cry remembering me if, God forbid, I pass away climbing the stairs).
Sh.Vij was addressing a large public gathering at Dalipgarh Community Center in Ambala while laying the foundation stone for the cementing of Mahesh Nagar drain at two locations.
He said that the Mahesh Nagar drain runs through several colonies in the heart of Ambala Cantonment, extending to Sur Mandi. It overflows during the monsoon every year and is now being cemented at a cost of Rs. 24 crores. Since the drain passes through the middle of colonies and people have built houses along the access paths, cleaning has been a challenge. Once cemented, vehicles will be able to enter the drain for proper cleaning.
The Mahesh Nagar drain is being concreted in phases by the Irrigation and Water Resources Department. Today, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij laid the foundation for the cementing work from Dalipgarh to Behde Wale Peer and from Ramnagar Gurudwara Sahib to Sur Mandi. Upon his arrival at the program, he was welcomed by departmental officials and a large number of party workers.
Improved Cleaning of Mahesh Nagar Drain- Vij
Congratulating the residents present in large numbers, Sh.Vij said this was a long-pending project for the area, now being concreted. He announced the simultaneous launch of two projects to prevent waterlogging. The cementing of Mahesh Nagar drain will ensure efficient drainage and improved cleanliness.
He further mentioned that the “Gudgudiya Nala,” which was previously made of mud and bricks, has also been cemented. A 200 cusec pump has been installed near the Tangri River to divert incoming water from the city into the river before it enters urban areas. Additionally, a new drain is being constructed near Sur Mandi and behind BD Floor Mill to drain water from nearby colonies, addressing waterlogging issues that were previously neglected.
Tangri Riverbed Being Deepened to Prevent Overflow-Vij
Sh.Vij said that work is underway to deepen the Tangri River by six feet from Chandpura to Shahpur. An agreement has been signed between NHAI and the Haryana government for this work. The excavated sand is being used by the National Highway Authority of India for ring road construction due to the unavailability of soil.
8 Km Long Road Built on Tangri River Dam, Connecting to GT Road- Vij
A strong 8-kilometer road has been constructed on the Tangri River dam from Ramgarh Majra to Ghasitpur. It is now being widened by 6 feet and connected to the GT Road to enhance connectivity and make travel easier for the public.
Solid Dam Built on the Other Side of Tangri River to Prevent Flooding-Vij
Sh.Vij mentioned that earlier, water from the river used to overflow into Rampur Sarsehdi and other areas. A permanent dam with stone pitching is being built to provide long-term relief to the people in these regions.
“My List of Works is Very Long – Built 150 Dharamshalas in the Cantonment,” -Vij
The Cabinet Minister said that he has carried out numerous development works. The venue of today’s program is also a dharamshala built by him. More than 150 such community halls have been constructed under his leadership for religious and social activities. He said that, a stormwater pipeline in the Sadar area also installed, and an underground drainage system worth Rs. 16 crores in old villages like Shahpur and Machhonda, which is now successfully draining water from the area.
“Roya Karega Sanu Yaad Karke…” – Vij
Getting emotional during the program Sh.Anil Vij said that “Sometimes I laugh thinking about how many development works I’ve accomplished in the cantonment — work that had not been done before. If I happen to leave this world someday…” He then recited the Punjabi verse: “Roya karega sanu yaad karke, je Rab na kare main chala jawaan seedhiyaan chadh ke.”
“Earlier I Was Alone, Now I Have the Municipal Chairperson and 25 Councilors” – Vij
He noted that earlier he worked alone, but now he has the support of the Municipal Chairperson and 25 councilors who monitor ongoing projects. Together, they are speeding up development in the area, giving priority to electricity, water, roads, drainage and cleanliness.
“Beware of Traitors and Stay United” – Vij
Referring to past municipal elections, Sh.Vij said that some traitors had tried to disrupt things, but the party successfully corrected 10 out of 15 seats. He cautioned the public against such people who switch sides frequently and pretend to be leaders. He urged workers to stay alert and united.
Among those present were Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice Chairperson Lalta Prasad, Superintendent Engineer Munish Bhardwaj (Irrigation Dept.), Executive Engineers Sandeep Kumar and Krishan Bhukkal, SDO Jitendra Singh, Mandal President Harsh Bindra, Ravi Buddhiraja, Pravesh Sharma, General Secretary Sanjeev Soni, Ram Babu Yadav, Ashish Agarwal, Bharat Kochhar, District Vice President Madan Lal Sharma, BJP functionaries Kiran Pal Chauhan, Councilors Shilpi Pasi, Gaurav Saini, Sanjeev Atri, Shyam Sunder Arora, Narendra Rana, and other dignitaries and BJP office-bearers.