Ludhiana Authorities Accused of Stalling Sukhdev Thapar Memorial Access Project
In Ludhiana, descendants of one of India's most revered freedom fighters have raised serious allegations against local municipal authorities, accusing them of "stalling" the demolition of buildings that are blocking a new commemorative entrance to his birthplace. This controversy has emerged just weeks before the birth anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Sukhdev Thapar, who was executed alongside Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru in 1931.
Trust Members Voice Formal Grievances Over Slow Progress
Members of the All-India Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Memorial Trust met with Municipal Commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta on Wednesday to express their formal grievances regarding the painfully slow progress of work in the historic Naughara Mohalla. The trust is urgently working to secure direct access from the bustling Chaura Bazaar to the ancestral home of Sukhdev Thapar. With the freedom movement hero's birth anniversary falling on May 15, descendants had fully expected the project to be completed in time for public tributes and ceremonies.
"For a long time, we have fought tirelessly to provide direct access to the birthplace of Shaheed-e-Azam Sukhdev Thapar," stated Ashok Thapar, the national president of the trust. "The project is now in its final stages, but significant and frustrating obstacles remain that are preventing timely completion."
Structural Risks Complicate Demolition Process
While the Punjab government has successfully acquired the necessary properties for creating the thoroughfare, the demolition process has been fraught with considerable technical difficulties and structural risks. Because the surrounding structures in the historic mohalla are centuries old, demolition crews have been forced to dismantle buildings manually to avoid a dangerous domino effect of collapses that could damage adjacent heritage properties.
Despite these meticulous precautions, a nearby heritage building recently gave way during the process, highlighting the inherent risks involved. Officials have reportedly assured the affected property owner—who surrendered eight square yards of land for the project—that they will be appropriately compensated for this collateral damage.
Illegal Encroachments Further Complicate Access Issues
Beyond the demolition delays, the trust has identified several illegal encroachments near the Punjab National Bank street entrance that are obstructing the planned pathway. "Many shopkeepers have illegally occupied and blocked the road," Ashok Thapar emphasized. "An illegal room has even been constructed directly on the road in Mohalla Naughara without any government documentation or approval. These unauthorized structures must be removed immediately so that devotees and visitors face no obstacles when paying their respects."
The trust has issued a stern warning that if the path remains blocked by demolition debris or illegal shops, it will significantly hinder the public's ability to honor Thapar's monumental contribution to India's independence movement. Municipal Commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta was unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts to reach her office on Wednesday for clarification on these allegations.
The situation remains tense as the trust continues to push for resolution before the upcoming birth anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the importance of preserving and providing access to historical sites that commemorate India's freedom struggle heroes.
