New Delhi [India], June 26 (HBTV): Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday and submitted three key proposals concerning his constituency, Ambala Cantonment. These included requests for the transfer of military land for hospital expansion, construction of a four-lane access road to the domestic airport, and the widening of roads adjoining military zones.

Vij urged that military land adjacent to the existing Civil and Cancer Hospital in Ambala Cantonment be allotted to the Haryana government to facilitate its expansion. Notably, the Atal Cancer Hospital was inaugurated on May 9, 2022, within the civil hospital premises. At present, a large number of cancer patients from seven nearby states seek treatment at the hospital. However, due to inadequate facilities for attendants, Vij proposed the construction of a dharamshala (rest house), for which additional land is required, an official release stated.

A Critical Care Centre is also planned at the civil hospital, with funding already sanctioned by the state government. In addition, there is a proposal to establish a Spinal Injury Centre requiring about 2 to 3 acres of land. The centre, which has already received approval, will provide specialised treatment and comprehensive medical care for spinal ailments.

Ambala Cantonment’s civil hospital, built several decades ago when the town's population stood at around 30,000 to 35,000, now serves a population of approximately 2,50,000. This significant growth underscores the urgent need for hospital expansion.

The Haryana Minister also requested the Defence Minister to permit the expansion of the road in front of the newly developed domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment, which lies under military jurisdiction. He proposed that it be developed into a four-lane road. Earlier, Vij had coordinated with the Defence Ministry to acquire military land for constructing the airport, for which the state paid INR 133 crore in exchange for 20 acres of land.

Additionally, Vij appealed for the widening of several narrow roads in Ambala Cantonment under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council and Cantonment Board, especially in areas like Boh and Babyal. These roads, built decades ago, are now insufficient for modern traffic needs, making widening necessary to align with adjoining road infrastructure.

(ANI)