Punjab to bring Sultanpur Lodhi on tourism map

Chandigarh, Nov 4 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today announced a series of steps to develop the holy town of Sultanpur Lodhi so as to bring it on the countrys religious tourist circuit.

Presiding over the first meeting of newly constituted Sultanpur Lodhi Development Board, here. the Chief Minister said that the urban infrastructure, health facilities, tourism and educational infrastructure and road and transport connectivity of this historic town would be up graded under an intergraded plan to increase and facilitate religious tourism.

The Chief Minister sanctioned a plan of Rs 4.66 crore to upgrade the water supply and sewerage network of this town to cater to increasing flow of pilgrims. The Board also approved town a multi- specialty hospital with ultra modern equipment and mobile vans facility for the town which is associated with Guru Nanak.

The Chief Minister said that he would request the Union Government to declare the historic fort of Sultanpur Lodhi as heritage building and sanction special funds to preserve it. He said that this fort was blessed by Guru Nanak.

The Chief Minister said that he would request Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to participate in 'gurupurab' function of Guru Nanak to be organised in this town on November 24.

The Punjab Urban Development Authority was also directed to set up an integrated Urban Estate in Sultanpur Lodhi. The Chief Minister also directed the tourism department to firm up a plan for tourism facilities in this area.

Meanwhile it was also decided to start the training of religious guides to educate the pilgrims regarding the religious importance of various cities and towns.

The Board also approved a degree college and an ITI for the town to impart technical and vocational courses.

UNI