The Punjab administration has given in-principle nod to announced Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala region as a holy town considering its religious and historical value.

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal took the decision on Friday during a meeting of the Sultanpur Lodhi development board.

According to a government representative, "Badal has directed the revenue department officials to finalise the modalities to declare Sultanpur Lodhi as holy town at the earliest. He has also asked the chairman of Punjab Powercom to provide 24-hour uninterrupted power supply in the town."

Sultanpur Lodhi, one of the India's ancient towns, holds high significance in Sikh religion. The town has around seven historical gurudwaras and the founder of Sikh religion, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spent many years of his life there.

In archeological surveys and digging, lots of memorials, sculptures as well as coins related to the Buddhist era were discovered in Sultanpur Lodhi. The town, which is said to be set up during the first century AD, had also seen many attacks and witnessed many ups and downs since its inception.

"New roads will be constructed and existing roads will be repaired in Sultanpur Lodhi on top priority, while Rs. 2 crore will be allocated for the execution of sewerage and drinking water schemes," the representative added.

Badal also directed the concerned officials to release Rs 5.83 crore for flood protection works in the town and also sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for fire brigade services.

As Sultanpur Lodhi will now project more tourists, Badal declared that the subsisting bus stand would be modernized to offer up better facilities to commuters. (With Inputs from Agencies)