Sundernagar, August 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the BSL Senior Secondary School premises in Sundernagar on Saturday, with BBMB Member (Irrigation) and Chief Engineer, BSL Project, Bijender Singh Nara stressing the project’s contribution to irrigation, power generation and national development.
Nara, who was the chief guest, unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march-past. NCC cadets and NSS volunteers from schools associated with the BSL project participated in the parade, while students presented a series of patriotic cultural performances.
Addressing the gathering, Nara paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs of India’s independence movement and remembered the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Khudiram Bose and Lala Lajpat Rai, among others.
Highlighting the role of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the BSL Project in nation-building, Nara said the Sundernagar-based project was an important example of how water resources could support agriculture, drinking water supply and power generation.
He said the project links the waters of the Beas river with the Sutlej system and contributes to irrigation and hydropower generation. Projects under BBMB, including the Dehar Power House, play an important role in strengthening the country’s energy security and agricultural productivity, he said.
“Delivering water to the fields of millions of farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and generating electricity on a large scale is true national service,” Nara said.
Appreciating BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi’s leadership, Nara emphasised efficient water-resource management, environmental protection, scientific silt management and the adoption of modern technologies. He also lauded the dedication and hard work of BBMB officers and employees.
Addressing students and youth, Nara said the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s freedom now rested with the younger generation. He urged them to focus on knowledge, innovation, discipline, integrity, cleanliness and environmental conservation, stressing that every small contribution can play a significant role in nation-building.
He reiterated the project’s commitment to optimum utilisation of water resources, clean energy generation and timely fulfilment of the requirements of partner states. He said BBMB would continue to contribute towards the goal of a self-reliant India.
The chief guest also distributed gifts to students who participated in the cultural programme and march-past.
Superintending Engineer, Circle No. 2, Harjot Singh Walia, executive engineers Gulshan Mann, Manpreet Singh Gill, DK Verma, Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Chandra Mohan, PRO Avtar Singh Dhaliwal, APRO Ashok Shukla, other BBMB officials and employees, and a large number of local residents were present at the programme.
The event concluded with patriotic slogans of “Vande Mataram”, “Jai Hind” and “Jai Bharat”.
