PWD told to find alternative route for road proposed through iconic Batala college

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday directed the state Public Works Department to find an alternative route for the road proposed through the playground of iconic Baring Union Christian College in Batala.

Taking note of the protests by students and local residents over the PWD proposal, the CM said the 140-year-old heritage building would not be allowed to be spoilt in any manner, a government release said.

The chief minister said it was not in the interest of people of the region to allow the road through the college playground as the purpose could have been served easily by an alternative route.

The CM said his government was totally committed to protecting interests of all people, including minorities, and would not undertake any initiative that would damage those interests.

He directed the PWD to take into account the historic importance of buildings before initiating any development plans in future.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Partap Bajwa, who had objected to the construction of road, thanked the CM for his intervention.

The college building initially known as the Anarkali palace belonged to Maharaja Sher Singh.

The institution was started by a missionary, Henry Francis Baring, in April 1878 as Baring Boys Boarding School.

The school was converted into Baring Union Christian College on June 29, 1944.

At the time of the Partition, the institution was the only Christian college in East Punjab.