Punjab Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Sunday visited Burlton Park to review the progress of the upcoming Sports Hub project. He was accompanied by Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Member Parliament Harbhajan Singh, Mayor Vineet Dhir, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Chairman District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh, AAP Jalandhar Central In-Charge Nitin Kohli, Senior AAP Leaders Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, and Dinesh Dhall.
Calling the Sports Hub a path-breaking initiative, Dr. Singh said the project aims to wean youth away from drugs and redirect their energy into the field of sports. He underlined that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a state-wide campaign to build sports facilities and playgrounds across the state to provide opportunities for youngsters to excel in their chosen disciplines. He further stressed that this ambitious project would reinforce the government’s resolve to eliminate drugs under the Yudh Nashian Virudh initiative.
Highlighting its significance, the Minister said the Burlton Park Sports Hub, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 78 crore, will be the first-of-its-kind sports complex in the country. It will provide thousands of people an opportunity to engage in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Directing the Municipal Corporation Jalandhar to ensure its timely completion, he criticised previous governments for neglecting the project, which led to inordinate delays.
Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat described the initiative as a milestone for the entire Doaba region, noting Jalandhar’s rich sporting legacy. He said the project holds special significance as MP Harbhajan Singh began his cricketing journey from Burlton Park, making the venue close to his heart.
MP Harbhajan Singh termed this Burlton Park as nursery of many renowned cricketers in the country. He called for speedy construction of this stadium to promote cricket in this region with a view to facilitate budding cricketers. He also thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this initiative to revamp this sports hub project.
Mayor Vineet Dhir assured the visiting dignitaries that the project would be completed on a fast-track mode. He committed to personally monitoring progress and conducting regular reviews to maintain the project’s pace and meet deadlines.
AAP Jalandhar Central In-Charge Nitin Kohli said the Sports Hub will not only provide world-class infrastructure for budding players but also revive Jalandhar’s glorious identity as a sporting capital. He added that such projects will inspire youth to pursue healthy lifestyles and shine at the national and international level.
Senior officials from the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation, representatives from Contractors were also present on the occasion.