Delay defeats very purpose of projects
Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the holy city will celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2027. To mark this event, the government has envisioned significant developmental, aesthetic and heritage-focused projects near the Golden Temple. However, avoidable delays in these projects are raising serious concerns regarding public convenience, including traffic congestion, water supply, erratic electricity and sewerage issues. Any delay in execution defeats the very purpose of these initiatives, particularly when they involve a site of such profound and universal faith. To prevent governmental inertia from becoming a hamartia (fatal flaw), we must unite our heads, hearts and hands to expedite these works, especially the underground work on radial roads leading to Darbar Sahib. While we urge the government agencies to accelerate technical tasks, we should take responsibility for non-technical aspects through Kar Seva wherever necessary.
By adapting the Japanese concept of Kaizen (continuous improvement) to our own needs, we can fully embrace the core values of “Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chakko”. Community leadership is vital for holistic service. Just as the four doors of Harimandir Sahib symbolise openness to all directions and faiths, we must support these efforts from every side. With spirit, a smile and a commitment to “Sarbat Da Bhala” (welfare of all), we can foster the collaboration needed to ensure these projects are completed well ahead of schedule. Joining heads, hands and hearts with the government agencies is the mool mantra.
Dr Rakesh Mohan Sharma
Human pysche resists change
It’s a human pysche to resist and criticise any change, which often results in chaos for some time. Similarly, delay in projects leading to the most visited Sikh shrine by tourists and pilgrims is drawing criticism from all sections of society. In the long run, the area dug up for development projects might prove fruitful for the visitors. Rather than its criticism, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj should have criticised illegal hotel constructions around the Golden Temple where illegal human trafficking activity is prospering in connivance with corrupt police officials.
Sanjay Chawla
Adopt smart strategy to complete projects
Many development projects are underway in the holy city, which disrupt visitors, especially near the Golden Temple. The administration should adopt a smart strategy to complete all projects ahead of the 2027. The authorities concerned should move ahead with phase-wise construction to ensure uninterrupted movement for pedestrians and emergency access. Contractors who finish their project before the deadline should be rewarded and those unable to deliver must be penalised. The authorities must deploy adequate traffic marshals and clearly demarcate diversion routes before commencing any heavy digging.
Sucha Singh Sagar
Work together to get positive results
It’s heartening to find that the Punjab Government is taking several development initiatives, but the delay tells a different story. Entering Golden Temple from Ghee Mandi or Mahan Singh Gate is a herculean task. Amritsar is proud to receive lakhs of pilgrims and tourists daily, but we are offering them shabby city, accident prone roads and traffic jams. Instead of just criticising the government, the SGPC, the Municipal Corporation and social organisations should work out a tangible solution to speed up the prospective projects.
Madhu Bhaskar
Work going on at a snail’s pace
As the AAP government’s tenure is about to come to an end, the present dispensation is launching new projects in the holy city without caring for the hardships caused to the thousands of tourists visiting the Golden Temple. It seems that work related to the digging of roads leading to the holy shrine was taken in a haste and no consultation was done with the stakeholders, including locals, traffic police and the SGPC. Further the work has been going on at a snail’s pace, resulting in traffic jams and inconvenience to residents. In the name of beautification, the entire holy city has been dug up on a war footing. Delay in lifting of rubble has led to stagnation of rainwater and sewage overflow, posing serious health hazard. Contractors should be sued in case they fail to meet the deadlines.
Anil Vinayak
Better planning need of the hour
As there is heavy footfall around the Golden Temple, the entire area needs to be decongested. Better planning for widening of roads is not bad, but the government should execute development projects in a phased manner. The authorities concerned must ensure that there’s no public inconvenience and every effort should be made to meet the deadlines.
Dr Manmohan Singh
Construction activity turns bane
With the 450th anniversary of Amritsar approaching, development and beautification projects are certainly important. However, undertaking major road excavation on a key approach to the Golden Temple without ensuring timely execution appears poorly planned. The area witnesses heavy daily footfall from pilgrims, tourists and locals, making uninterrupted access crucial. Prolonged construction has resulted in traffic congestion, inconvenience to visitors and potential economic losses for businesses in the vicinity. The authorities should have adopted a phased construction strategy, keeping at least part of the road functional while adhering to strict deadlines. Development is necessary, but it should not come at the cost of accessibility and visitor experience.
Jagtar Singh
Timing & execution deserve scrutiny
Major infrastructure upgrades around the Golden Temple are long overdue and will ultimately benefit the city. However, the timing and execution of these works deserve scrutiny. With Amritsar preparing to celebrate its 450th anniversary next year, visitors expect a welcoming and well-managed environment, not prolonged traffic bottlenecks and dust filled streets. Digging up an entire road leading to one of the world’s most visited religious sites risks creating a poor impression of the city. The authorities must strike a balance between development and convenience, ensuring that essential projects are completed swiftly and with minimal disruption to pilgrims, tourists and local businesses.
Balkar Singh
What’s the Issue
Delay in execution of development projects has drawn sharp criticism from Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Residents have urged the government to monitor development works regularly.
Question for next week
Tractor-trailers carrying garbage and heading towards dump yard are often noticed uncovered. While on their way, trash spillover from these wagons is often seen on the roads. What sort of measures should be taken to keep things in order?
Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (June 25)
