Independence day celebrations in Mohali were marred by heavy rain. Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Sukhbir Singh Badal,who hoisted the national flag at the Government College here,left within half an hour of the two-hour function. In his brief ten-minute speech,Sukhbir said the Punjab government had resolved to maintain peace and security in the state. Badal promised that by December,Punjab would be a power surplus state and within three years,the face of the state would change. He unveiled new plans for urban development in the state and said the government had set aside Rs 40,000 crore for constant water supply,sewerage,LED street lights and expansion of road network among other things. He further stated the Mohali International Airport would become operational within eighteen months and that the state had requested for more airports at Jalandhar and Machhiwara. Also Badal said the beneficiaries of the atta-dal scheme would be doubled,while announcing scholarship schemes for students,cycles to girl students and sports facilities in all villages. Meanwhile students,who had to perform for the DCM,braved the rain and kept waiting for their turn,with only students of Government School Phase 3B1 managing to present a physical education routine. The DCM had earlier managed to inspect the parade and later took the salute during the march past. The rest of the events were cancelled after it began to rain heavily. Accompanied by senior police officers,the DCM was drenched as well after the tent he was standing under started pouring. It was later announced that he had fever and would not be able to watch the show. Prizes to the award winners were then handed over by district administration officials after the DCM left.
