Says city’s condition putting bad impression on pilgrims
Amritsar, November 23:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed deep concern over the haphazard traffic management of the Guru Nagri (Guru’s city) Sri Amritsar, encroachment by shopkeepers on the roads leading to Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib and overcrowding of auto/cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws.
SGPC General Secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal has asked the Punjab government and the Amritsar district administration and municipal corporation to take immediate necessary steps in this regard.
Gurcharan Singh Grewal said that Amritsar is the center of attraction for the people from across the globe because of Sri Harmandar Sahib and a large number of pilgrims from the country and abroad pay obeisance here with devotion as well as travel to the historical shrines located in the city.
“But the haphazard traffic of the city and the abundance of encroachments on the roads have a bad effect on the minds of pilgrims. Even the heritage street leading to Sri Harmandar Sahib has been illegally encroached by the shopkeepers. The condition of the only road through which vehicles can reach the holy Sikh shrine is also not good. There are frequent traffic jams due to the drains and electric poles on both sides of roads”, said Bhai Grewal.
He said on the road while coming from Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh to Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib, the shopkeepers have deliberately extended their shops, which causes inconvenience to the Sangat. The situation here is such that it is very difficult to walk here.
SGPC General Secretary said that it is sad that the Punjab government and the city administration are not paying attention to these important issues.
He said that an important resolution was also passed in this regard during the general house session of SGPC on November 9, which has been sent to the government and concerned departments.
Bhai Grewal appealed to the responsible officials of the Punjab Government and the entire Amritsar district administration to pay special attention to these problems of the city and especially to remove illegal encroachments by shopkeepers on the roads leading to Sri Harimandar Sahib and also to reduce the traffic. He also appealed to the residents of the city to raise their voice on these issues with the government and the administration, so that the pilgrims who arrive here carry a good message.