Will restore darshani deori, say experts

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 30

A heritage expert panel today gave a positive indication that the damaged portion of the century-old “darshani deori” (main entrance) leading to the sanctum santorum of Tarn Taran gurdwara Darbar Sahib can be restored in its original form.

The heritage committee included conservation experts from Hyderabad Sajjan Singh and Amrik Singh, besides GNDU architect Prof Rawal Singh and Chief Engineer (retd) Kulbir Singh Shergill.

Now, under their advice, the SGPC will hire building experts and carry out the job shortly.

Chief secretary, SGPC, Dr Roop Singh said the conservation experts’ verdict had eased the tension. He said the job would not be given to any kar sewa sect.

“After visiting the spot, they observed that it is not something that is beyond repair and restoration. Most of the damaged portion is made of lime, which, they say, can be reshaped, whereas the rest of the structure will require minor restoration job,” he said.

During March 30 night, a group of kar sewaks belonging to Tarn Taran-based Baba Jagtar Singh Kar Sewa Wale pulled down the deori. Before the local Sikh sangat could raise an alarm or gurdwara officials inform the SGPC, three out of the four domes of the structure were already grounded. This led to uproar among the Sikh community.