PHAGWARA, MAY 5— The Phagwara administration has undertaken a massive cleanup and repair drive on the eve of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ‘Thanksgiving Yatra.’ The sudden activity follows the confirmation that the Chief Minister will halt at Gandhi Chowk, prompting civil and police officials to secure the route and improve road conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal affirmed that all departments are working in coordination to ensure the visit proceeds without incident. Alongside SSP Gaurav Tura, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the deployment of personnel and the status of public utilities along the Phagwara-Banga stretch. This road, notorious for its poor condition, saw immediate patching and leveling work throughout Tuesday night.
“The administration wakes up only during VIP visits, while serious issues like illegal encroachment and broken roads remain neglected throughout the year,” a city resident stated. Many locals affirmed that while the repairs are welcome, the timing suggests that official priorities are often dictated by high-profile visits rather than public necessity.
The administrative focus was not limited to infrastructure, as the Deputy Commissioner also met with local stakeholders. A delegation of Dalit organizations took the opportunity to voice concerns regarding the language employed in official census records. They declared their dissatisfaction with the current administrative response and demanded a corrective approach to the documentation process.
Despite the mixed reactions from the public regarding the sudden surge in efficiency, security agencies stated that all protocols are in place for Wednesday’s event. A joint effort between traffic police and local governance teams continues to manage the flow of commuters as the city prepares for the Chief Minister’s arrival.
