Punjab tourism dept shelves Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project after SGPC objections

The Punjab tourism department has decided to shelve the Heritage Street project in Anandpur Sahib after officials of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) demanded significant changes to its concept, sources told The Tribune.

SGPC officials opposed the proposed gate at the Heritage Street, arguing that it would obstruct the view of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib from the main road. They also objected to the laying of white marble on the road leading to the Takht, insisting that the route remain fully motorable.

Tourism department officials said that the changes suggested by the SGPC would have required altering about 90 per cent of the original project concept. Since such changes would have completely compromised the project, the department decided to shelve it, they added.

Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains, when contacted, confirmed that the Heritage Street in its original form has been shelved. He said the department is now considering an alternative location in Anandpur Sahib, possibly on the road connecting Keshgarh Sahib to Shishganj Sahib gurudwaras, which is government-owned.

The Heritage Street was proposed as a first-of-its-kind project, featuring an all-white marble design to enhance the spiritual ambience of Anandpur Sahib and provide a seamless experience for pilgrims. Tourism officials had compared its potential impact to the Heritage Street in Amritsar, which significantly boosted local tourism.

To justify its opposition, the SGPC maintained that the project would inconvenience devotees.

On December 22 last year, the manager of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib formally urged the government not to commence work, citing potential disruption to pilgrim movement.

Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also expressed reservations, noting that the gate could obstruct the Takht’s direct view—a concern deeply tied to Sikh sentiments.

The government, in response, asserted that the project had previously received SGPC approval and dismissed the renewed resistance as politically motivated. The timing coincides with strained relations between the SGPC and the AAP government, particularly following disputes over the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur last November.

During those events, the SGPC reportedly denied government access to its inns in Anandpur Sahib and objected to parallel government-organised events.

The state government had sanctioned Rs 25 crore for the project. However, due to differences between the SGPC and the government, the Heritage Street project—intended to blend faith, heritage, and tourism—has become entangled in politics.