Demolition of Piao outside gurdwara causes resentment

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, April 6

Sikhs expressed resentment over demolition of a Piao outside Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk today. The Piao was demolished during a drive against encroachment launched by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). 

Senior Sikh leaders reached the gurdwara and protested against the demolition saying that it had been an old Piao where thirsty people came to have water.

A spokesperson of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Parminderpal Singh said that the NDMC had not served any notice to the management committee of the gurdwara before demolishing the structure. 

The demolition drive was launched at the direction of the Delhi Government to launch the project of Shahjahanabad redevelopment. 

He said that the Chandni Chowk area is being represented by AAP MLA Alka Lamba who should have discussed the demolition issue with the gurdwara committee. 

He said the structure was not illegal. It was approved by the then Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 1991. The committee will go to the court against the demolition action. 

Senior BJP leader Sardar RP Singh alleged that directions for the demolition of the Piao was given under "pressure" from local AAP MLA Alka Lamba. The Chief Minister should apologise for the action, he said.