Chandigarh, 05 August (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring the holistic development of the Kandi and border areas of the state. Chairing a meeting of the Border and Kandi Area Development Board, the Chief Minister directed officials to make coordinated efforts to promote tourism and speed up development activities in these regions.

Emphasising the tourism potential of the Kandi area, Mann said the region has immense scope to emerge as a major tourist destination due to its natural beauty and abundant resources. He directed departments to work together to develop tourism infrastructure and attract visitors from across the country and abroad.

The Chief Minister said the Kandi region had remained relatively backward in terms of development due to the neglect of previous governments. He added that the present government was making concerted efforts to utilise the region’s untapped potential and create new opportunities for economic activity.

Mann said upgrading infrastructure in the Kandi region would help boost tourism as well as generate employment and improve the standard of living of local residents. He asserted that the government would leave no stone unturned in modernising infrastructure and accelerating development in the area.

The Chief Minister also underlined the government’s focus on the development of Punjab’s border districts. He said the residents of these areas have always played an important role in safeguarding the country’s unity and sovereignty.

Mann said the border areas are blessed with a rich cultural and historical heritage and have produced several patriots and nationalists. Despite this, he said, these regions had not witnessed the level of development they deserved under previous governments.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to border residents, the Chief Minister said special efforts were being made to improve infrastructure and promote economic activity in these areas. He said the government would continue working for the welfare of people living along the border and ensure that these regions receive the necessary development impetus.

Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officers were also present at the meeting.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH