The Punjab Government has decided to revive its Heritage Street project for Anandpur Sahib, albeit in a significantly altered form, after strong objections from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) forced authorities to shelve the original proposal earlier this year.
Punjab Education and Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed that a committee comprising representatives of the government and the SGPC has been constituted to finalise the design and alignment of the project.
“A committee has been formed, which will also include SGPC representatives, to evolve consensus and finalise the design of the Heritage Street in Anandpur Sahib,” Bains said.
The Punjab Tourism Department had initially proposed a Heritage Street extending from the main Ropar-Anandpur Sahib highway to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. The project envisioned the construction of an ornamental gateway on the highway, an all-white marble pathway leading to the Takht, and the redesigning of shops along the route in accordance with Anandpur Sahib’s historical and architectural heritage.
However, the project ran into opposition from the SGPC, which sought major changes to its design.
SGPC officials objected to the proposed gateway, arguing that it would obstruct the direct view of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib from the main road. They also opposed the laying of white marble on the approach road to the Takht, insisting that the route should remain motorable for the convenience of devotees.
With the original plan abandoned, the government is now exploring an alternative alignment within the holy city.
According to sources, the revised proposal envisages the Heritage Street beginning from the road leading from Qila Anandgarh Sahib to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and then extending towards Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Bhora Sahib.
Unlike the earlier concept, the new Heritage Street would pass through Anandpur Sahib’s internal roads rather than being prominently visible from the main highway.
The Heritage Street was conceived as a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at blending faith, heritage and tourism. Inspired by the success of the Heritage Street project in Amritsar, it was expected to transform the pilgrim experience in Anandpur Sahib and boost tourism in the historic town.
Tourism officials had maintained that Anandpur Sahib stood to benefit significantly, much like Amritsar did after the development of its Heritage Street.
The state government had sanctioned Rs 25 crore for the project.
Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had also expressed reservations against earlier design of Heritage Street stating that the proposed gateway could obstruct the unobstructed view of the Takht, a matter closely linked to Sikh religious sentiments.
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of strained relations between the SGPC and the state government during the commemoration of the 350 martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur last year. During the celebrations, the SGPC had reportedly declined permission for the government to use its inns in Anandpur Sahib and had objected to parallel programmes organised by the state.
As efforts are now under way to build consensus through a joint committee, the future of the Heritage Street project will depend on whether faith, heritage and governance can converge to realise a vision that has long been seen as transformative for Anandpur Sahib.
