In a landmark step towards strengthening ecological conservation and restoring traditional water bodies, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, today laid the foundation stone for the revitalization of the Amrit Sarovar at Village Dhanas. The ceremony marked the beginning of a transformative initiative under AMRUT 2.0 aimed at rejuvenating natural water ecosystems and enhancing sustainable urban development.
The event was graced by the presence of Sh. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor, Chandigarh, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner, Sh. C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer, Sh. Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, area councilor, Sh. Harjeet Singh, Sh. Satinder Singh Sidhu, MC councilors, senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, councillors, officers of the Municipal Corporation, and prominent citizens of the city.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria expressed profound satisfaction over the commencement of the project. He stated that the rejuvenation of Dhanas Amrit Sarovar is not merely an infrastructure effort but a moral commitment to environmental preservation, community well-being, and the city’s cultural heritage. “Our water bodies are the lifelines of our ecological balance. By restoring them, we secure clean water, strengthen biodiversity, and leave behind a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.
The Governor said that this initiative reflects the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, who dreams of reviving the country’s neglected and ancient water bodies and launched Amrit Sarovar initiative. His vision was not only to conserve the environment but also to transform these restored lakes into clean, beautiful, and vibrant public assets dedicated to the people.
The Governor praised the coordinated efforts of the city Mayor, Local Area Councillor, the Municipal Corporation, officers and engineers, environmental experts and Self-Help Groups, acknowledging their role in turning this vision into reality.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member Parliament, applauded the initiative as a model of collaborative governance. He emphasized that the rejuvenation of natural assets like Amrit Sarovar represents a forward-looking approach to sustainability and citizen welfare. “This project will not only rejuvenate the ecological fabric but also inspire communities to take collective responsibility for environmental stewardship,” he added.
Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor, Chandigarh, highlighted the significance of community participation, especially the contribution of women Self-Help Groups in maintaining various water bodies across the city. She remarked, “The revival of the Dhanas Sarovar is a celebration of the shared commitment to make Chandigarh cleaner, greener, and more resilient. Together, citizens can build a city where development moves hand-in-hand with nature.”
Earlier in the program, Sh. Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, Area Councillor expressed gratitude to the Governor, dignitaries, officials, engineers, and residents for their unwavering support. He reiterated the community’s responsibility to protect and nurture this rejuvenated natural asset for generations to come.
He said that the revitalization of Dhanas Amrit Sarovar stands as a beacon of Chandigarh’s dedication to sustainable development, eco-restoration, and harmonious urban living.
