Village that welcomed Guru Tegh Bahadur now battles civic neglect

Vallah, remembered in Sikh history as the place that opened its doors to Guru Tegh Bahadur when he was denied entry to Darbar Sahib, is today grappling with poor civic infrastructure even as the nation marks the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru.

Also read: Vallah: A historic town of devotion and martyrdom, blessed by Guru Teg Bahadur

The key road link to Gurudwara Kotha Sahib, the shrine built at the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed, has been in a state of neglect for the past three years due to an under-construction overbridge that remains incomplete. The delay has forced authorities to divert traffic from the main bypass road onto a narrow service lane, which sees frequent traffic snarls. The situation worsens during religious fairs or functions at the gurdwara, when thousands of devotees visit.

A spell of moderate rain further compounds the problem. Wastewater from Vallah village collects in a roadside pond, which overflows towards the main road during rains, making commuting hazardous. Garbage lifting is irregular, sewer lines remain frequently choked and inner roads leading to Gurudwara Kotha Sahib are lined with heaps of garbage and stagnant water in vacant plots.

Local residents say the problems have been persisting for years without serious government attention. “Garbage lifting is irregular and sewer choking is a routine affair,” said Kulwant Singh, a villager. Another resident, Harpreet Singh, pointed out, “The government is celebrating the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, but Vallah village is not in their focus. The overbridge should be completed and the drainage system improved. Sanitation work and garbage removal must be taken up seriously.”

For devotees and daily commuters alike, the under-construction bridge and poor civic amenities have turned the journey to a sacred site into a struggle, a sharp contrast to the warm welcome Guru Tegh Bahadur once received here centuries ago.