UK-based volunteers initiate kar seva
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, March 15
A 25-member team from UK initiated the kar seva of cleansing the gold plating on Golden Temple after performing ardas here today. The volunteers of the Nishkam Sevak Jatha Birmingham led by Sukhbir Singh said the seva would be completed within eight-10 days.
The team member stated that cleaning was done with soap nut (reetha) and dust and other particles that have accumulated on the gold plates would be removed. The work of cleansing of gold plates at the holy shrine was taken up from time to time, as rising pollution levels in the area dull the sheen of the gold plates.
The Birmingham-based group of volunteers have been performing this duty for a long time, said SGPC officials. The officials stated that due to weather conditions and pollution, areas of the dome and the exterior and interior have to be cleaned and repaired, as and when required.
The gold plating at the holy shrine was done during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, these were replaced with new ones in the year 1999.
The SGPC officials stated on the occasion that the Sikh body was creating awareness among people so that pollution levels were not allowed to rise and the surroundings of the Golden Temple were made greener and beautiful.
SGPC officials including additional manager Sukhraj Singh, supervisor Kashmir Singh and others were also present on the occasion.
