Neglect Overshadows Amritsar's 450th Foundation Day Preparations
As Amritsar gears up to celebrate its 450th foundation day, concerns over deteriorating civic infrastructure and sanitation in areas surrounding the Golden Temple have taken center stage. Residents, activists, and religious leaders point out that while fresh promises and projects are being discussed ahead of the election year, little attention is being paid to the ground situation in the historic core of the city, which draws lakhs of pilgrims annually.
Golden Temple Galiara in Disrepair
A glaring example of this neglect is the Golden Temple Galiara (corridor), completed in 1998 to enhance the shrine's surroundings. The project, once praised for its aesthetics, now suffers from garbage heaps, waste collection trolleys, illegal encroachments, parked scooters, and makeshift vendors. Broken and sunken tiles at several locations await repair. The maintenance of the Galiara falls under the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA). Hardeep Singh, the authority's Galiara in-charge, said separate teams are engaged in sanitation and civil maintenance work, adding, "Efforts are underway to remove encroachments."
Heritage Street Faces Similar Issues
The iconic Heritage Street, a multi-crore project completed in 2017 that transformed the main approach road to the Golden Temple, is also facing mounting complaints about cleanliness and maintenance. Residents allege that despite repeated claims of regular upkeep, the situation has steadily deteriorated. While sanitation improves on roads immediately adjoining the Golden Temple, pilgrims heading to historic sites like Guru Ke Mahal and Tobha Bhai Salo encounter garbage heaps, poorly maintained streets, and stray dogs.
Civic Body Announces Measures
Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill acknowledged the gaps in the waste collection system and announced corrective measures. "From June 24, 100 per cent door-to-door waste collection will begin in the Central Assembly constituency supported by additional mini-tippers, machinery and manpower," he said. He added that special arrangements are being made for narrow lanes and that 17 electric vehicles operate in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock waste lifting.
Radial Road Project Faces Delays
Last month, the Municipal Corporation initiated a radial road project to beautify and upgrade the five major routes leading to the Golden Temple. However, delays in execution have raised apprehensions among residents that the project may not be completed in time for the 450th anniversary celebrations. Akal Takht acting Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj expressed concern over the pace of work and criticized the administration for failing to curb single-use plastic in the city. In response, the Municipal Commissioner said the execution strategy has been modified: "Instead of digging up all roads simultaneously, work will be completed first on the Ghio Mandi route within the next two months before construction begins on other stretches."
Citizens Launch 'Chalo Amritsar' Initiative
In the absence of effective action, local women have launched a citizens' initiative called "Chalo Amritsar" to improve cleanliness in the walled city. Activist Indu Aurora, who has lived in Amritsar for 50 years, said residents are seeking better sanitation rather than cosmetic beautification. "I have never seen such conditions. Earlier, roads were cleaned every night and water was sprinkled in the morning. We want all routes leading to the gurdwaras in the walled city to remain clean. Heavy penalties should be imposed on encroachers and those littering in the area. Stray animals must also be removed," she added.
