Punjab: Investigation of high-rise buildings around the Golden Temple continues

Punjab: The Local Bodies Department has issued strict directions to control the construction of high-rise buildings around Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Acting on the directions of Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, the Local Bodies Department has formally informed the Amritsar Municipal Corporation to take immediate steps to control and monitor the increasing construction near the holy shrine. In an official letter to the Municipal Commissioner, the department expressed concern over the construction of high-rise buildings going on around the shrine and said that these structures are obstructing the clear visual prominence of the Golden Temple, which holds not only spiritual supremacy but also heritage and architectural significance. Local Bodies Under Secretary Krishan Gopal stressed that Darbar Sahib is not only a religious place for Sikhs but also a revered place for people across the world. “Given its spiritual, aesthetic and historical significance, strict action should be taken against any violation of existing construction norms in the vicinity,” the letter said. Municipal officials have been instructed to control ongoing and future construction work in the surrounding area. If any existing rules are being violated, strict action should be taken against the violators, including demolition or sealing of unauthorized structures. Officials have been asked to submit a compliance report within a week, detailing the steps taken to address the issue. It is worth noting that in March this year, a controversy erupted over a multi-storey building under construction near the Golden Temple. The building, which is being built with the aim of providing modern accommodation to Sikh Jathedars and priests, was criticized by religious scholars and heritage conservationists. They had expressed concern that its height could exceed that of Akal Takht Sahib, casting a shadow on the main place of Sikhism. The building was being built by Kar Seva Bhuri Wale for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Work on the upper floors was stopped since March.