Deori renovation work begins

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 13

The renovation of the decrepit ‘darshani deori’ (entrance) at the Golden Temple complex near the Akal Takht, which was damaged during Operation Bluestar, began here today.

After initiation of ‘ardas’, the work was awarded to Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale who volunteered to do service (sewa) in the presence of Golden Temple head priest Giani Jagtar Singh, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal and chief secretary Roop Singh.

This was one of the structures in the shrine complex which got damaged during Operation Bluestar in 1984. The original bullet marks on its facade and sidewalls, identical to the ones on the historic Teja Singh Samundri Hall, are still there and due care will be taken to preserve them.

This rickety structure was shown to President Ram Nath Kovind during his visit.

Roop Singh said the renovation of ‘darshani deori’ would be completed in three months. “Steel frames studded with special glass will be fixed on the bullet-riddled portion of the facade to have a clear view of the damage done to the wall of the darshani deori. This will also prevent moisture and will last long,” he added.