Anandpur Sahib, April 8: The Punjab Tourism Department has cancelled the proposed Heritage Street project in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised fundamental objections to the design. Tourism officials stated that the revisions requested by the religious body would have necessitated altering approximately 90% of the original concept, rendering the current plan unfeasible.
The SGPC specifically opposed the construction of a ceremonial gate, contending that the structure would block the view of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib from the main road. Furthermore, the committee rejected the plan to lay white marble along the route, asserting that the path must remain fully motorable to prevent inconveniencing devotees. Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that the preservation of a direct view of the Takht is a matter deeply tied to Sikh sentiments.
“The Heritage Street in its original form has been shelved,” Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains affirmed. He noted that the state government is now exploring a different location within Anandpur Sahib, potentially a government-owned stretch connecting the Keshgarh Sahib and Shishganj Sahib gurdwaras.
The state government had sanctioned 25 crore for the initiative, which was modeled after the successful Heritage Street in Amritsar. Officials maintained that the project was designed to enhance the spiritual atmosphere and tourism potential of the area. While the government asserted that the SGPC had initially approved the plans, the religious body formally requested a halt to the work last December, citing concerns over pilgrim movement and traditional aesthetics.
