In a move prioritising athletics in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Saturday that Republic Day parades will no longer be held at stadiums or grounds with synthetic tracks. 26 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਹੋਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਗਣਤੰਤਰ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੀ ਪਰੇਡ PAU ਦੀ ਗਰਾਊਂਡ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ..ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਸਟੇਡੀਅਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਸੀਂ ਹੁਣੇ ਹੁਣੇ ਨਵਾਂ ਸਿੰਥੈਟਕ ਟਰੈਕ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਹੈ ਅਸੀਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਕਿ ਪਰੇਡ ਨਾਲ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ.ਪੂਰੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਚ ਕਿਤੇ ਵੀ ਸਿੰਥੈਟਕ ਟਰੈਕ ਵਾਲੇ ਗਰਾਂਉਡ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਰੇਡ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ..ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਜਾਰੀ— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 6, 2024Citing potential damage to the expensive tracks and inconvenience to athletes, Mann highlighted the movement of vehicles and machinery during parades as the key reason for the decision. To ensure athletes have favourable training conditions and stadium facilities are preserved, the government will now opt for alternative venues for future R-Day celebrations.Punjab Agricultural University ground to hold R-Day paradeThis decision comes as Ludhiana was preparing to host the Republic Day parade at its stadium, equipped with a newly laid synthetic track. However, in light of the new policy, the ceremony will be moved to the Punjab Agricultural University ground, offering a suitable space for the festivities without compromising the athletic infrastructure.Manns initiative reflects a commitment to balancing public celebrations with responsible resource management. By prioritising the long-term benefits for athletes and sports facilities. The shift in parade venues is likely to be implemented across the state, impacting future Republic Day celebrations in other districts with synthetic tracks. While alternative venues may require adjustments to parade formats, the move is expected to be well-received by athletes and sports enthusiasts who recognize the importance of protecting training facilities.
