Heritage Street losing charm amid neglect, faulty infrastructure

The iconic Heritage Street, a Rs 350-crore project leading to the Golden Temple, is gradually losing its charm due to alleged negligence by the local administration and the government. Constructed in 2016 as part of an ambitious beautification initiative to provide a pedestrian-friendly approach to Darbar Sahib, the nearly 1-km stretch from Town Hall Chowk has begun to show signs of deterioration and mismanagement.

Several facilities installed under the project are either non-functional or poorly maintained. Drinking water vending machines, popularly known as water ATMs, installed under the Smart City project have been lying defunct even as the summer season approaches. Similarly, bottle-crushing machines meant to promote waste management and digital display screens installed under various projects are also not functioning.

Apart from the non-functional infrastructure, encroachments and traffic movement have emerged as major concerns. Hydraulic road blockers installed to restrict vehicular entry into the pedestrian zone have reportedly stopped working, allowing regular vehicles to enter the heritage corridor freely. As a result, two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are frequently seen moving through the street, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and pilgrims visiting the shrine.

The situation is further aggravated by the presence of roadside vendors and carts selling food items, toys and other goods along the stretch. Their presence at several points narrows the walkway and often leads to congestion. Despite repeated claims by the municipal corporation about removing encroachments, the ground reality remains largely unchanged.

Volunteers who provide drinking water to visitors also highlighted the issue of bus parking on the street. Amar Singh, who has been voluntarily serving water to pilgrims along the route, said that buses bringing pilgrims under the Chief Minister’s pilgrimage scheme were recently parked on the street, causing severe inconvenience to visitors and passers-by.

“Another major concern for visitors is the absence of public toilets along the heritage corridor. Women pilgrims, in particular, face considerable difficulties due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities. In many instances, men have been seen urinating along nearby buildings, which not only creates unhygienic conditions but also tarnishes the image of the heritage site,” said Amar Singh Nihang.

The growing presence of beggars and stray dogs has also been troubling tourists and devotees. Visitors have complained that beggars frequently approach and harass pilgrims for money, while stray dogs roaming the street sometimes chase pedestrians, creating safety concerns.

Kulwant Singh Ankhi, a member of the Amritsar Vikas Manch, said devotees and tourists from far-flung areas visit the historic shrine with deep faith and pass through this heritage corridor. He urged the government and the administration to restore the beauty and functionality of Heritage Street so that visitors leave with a positive impression of the city.

Residents and visitors have also called upon the civic authorities to repair the damaged infrastructure, regulate vehicular entry, remove encroachments and provide basic amenities such as public toilets and drinking water facilities to maintain the dignity of this important religious and tourist route.