High-rise buildings around Golden Temple face scrutiny

The Department of Local Government has issued strict directives to regulate the construction of high-rise buildings around the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

Acting on the instructions of the Local Government Minister, Dr Ravjot Singh, the Department of Local Government has formally communicated to the Municipal Corporation of Amritsar to take immediate steps to control and monitor the rising construction near the holy shrine.

In an official letter addressed to the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, the department expressed concern over the ongoing construction of high-end buildings around the shrine, stating that these structures are obstructing the clear visual prominence of the Golden Temple, which holds not only spiritual supremacy but also heritage and architectural importance.

Krishan Gopal, Under Secretary of Local Government, emphasised that Darbar Sahib is not just a religious site for Sikhs but a revered location for people globally.

“Considering its spiritual, aesthetic, and historical value, strict action must be taken against any violation of existing construction norms in the vicinity,” the letter stated.

The municipal authorities have been directed to regulate ongoing and future construction in the surrounding area. If any existing rules are being violated, strict action, including demolition or sealing of unauthorized structures, should be initiated against the violators. The authorities have been asked to submit a compliance report within a week, detailing the steps taken to address the issue.

It may be recalled that earlier in March this year, a controversy had erupted over a multi-story building under construction near the Golden Temple. The building, aimed at providing modern accommodation to Sikh Jathedars and priests, faced criticism from religious scholars and heritage conservationists who raised concerns that its height might exceed that of the Akal Takht Sahib, overshadowing the temporal seat of Sikhism.

The building was being constructed by Kar Seva Bhuri wale for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The work on the top stories had been stopped since March.