SEECHEWAL (JALANDHAR), MAY 29 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday inaugurated a new astroturf at the Sant Avtar Singh Memorial Hockey Stadium, positioning the upgrade as part of a broader push to transform the state’s sporting landscape and rural infrastructure.
The inauguration took place during the 38th Salana Barsi Samagam of Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji. Accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the chief minister used the occasion to trace his administration’s progress in irrigation, environmental conservation, and social welfare, stating that the long-promised colors of a vibrant “Rangla Punjab” are beginning to manifest.
“Today, I had the privilege of paying obeisance at Village Seechewal on the occasion of the 38th death anniversary of Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji,” Chief Minister Mann said. “On this occasion, along with Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji, I inaugurated the new astroturf at the Sant Avtar Singh Memorial Hockey Stadium. I wholeheartedly salute the selfless service being carried out by Sant Ji for environmental conservation.”
Addressing water scarcity and agricultural sustainability, the chief minister remarked that the state government has successfully routed 21,000 cusecs of canal water directly to local fields through 14,000 kilometers of newly laid pipelines and watercourses. He noted that this volume equals the capacity of two Bhakra canals. Furthermore, targeted conservation policies have helped recharge 21 lakh cubic meters of groundwater, raising the water table by 2 to 4 meters across multiple regions.
Turning to social legislation, the chief minister explained that his administration collaborated closely with the Sant Samaj, legal experts, and retired judges to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026. The new law introduces stringent penalties for desecration, establishing prison terms ranging from 10 years to life alongside a fine of ₹50 lakh.
“This law will act as a deterrent and no one will dare to commit such crimes in the future,” Chief Minister Mann asserted. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our duty to ensure its sanctity because if the state government cannot do that, no one else will.”
The chief minister also detailed ongoing public welfare investments, pointing to the expansion of nearly 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics and the implementation of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which offers up to ₹10 lakh in free medical treatment per family. He additionally noted that the newly launched Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana will provide direct monthly financial assistance to women across Punjab to foster greater financial independence.
