Anandpur :
After objecting to a proposed gate at the start of Heritage Street in Anandpur Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has raised fresh objections to the Punjab government’s ambitious tourism project in the holy city, further complicating its execution.
The manager of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, in a letter dated December 22 to the government, urged that work on the Heritage Street should not be initiated, citing inconvenience to devotees visiting the sacred city. Earlier, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had opposed the proposed gate, arguing that it would obstruct the view of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.
The tourism department had recently begun preparatory work on the project, but contractors were reportedly stopped by SGPC employees. Sources said the government is keen to avoid a direct confrontation with the SGPC, leaving officials uncertain about how to proceed.
Senior tourism department sources revealed that the ₹25 crore budget sanctioned for the Heritage Street project would lapse if work does not commence before December 31. Education and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains declined to comment, stating that his role was limited to securing the budget for Anandpur Sahib.
To avoid escalation, the government is reportedly considering seeking support from Dera heads and Kar Seva Babas to move the project forward. Officials have maintained that the Heritage Street plan was earlier approved by the SGPC and alleged that the current objections are politically motivated.
The standoff comes against the backdrop of strained relations between the SGPC and the AAP government, particularly following parallel events held to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur in November. The SGPC had opposed the government’s separate programme and denied the use of its inns in Anandpur Sahib for the event.
The proposed Heritage Street, modeled on Amritsar’s Heritage Street, envisions a marble pathway from NH-503 to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, with shops designed to reflect the city’s cultural and religious heritage. However, amid mounting opposition and political undercurrents, the prestigious project now risks being mired in controversy.
