Amritsar heritage turning into ruins, authorities indifferent
AMRITSAR: The discovery of a heritage structure underneath the Golden Temple has renewed focus on the authorities’ failure to preserve history. Most existing heritage buildings are linked with the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the colonial rule. Heritage monuments, including historic gates and the wall around the city, fell prey to British indifference. The structures still standing are crying for attention.
As if this was not enough, centuries-old buildings have been razed, while constructing a new galliara around the Golden Temple complex over the past few decades. Going further back, foreign invaders and then the British presided over much destruction of heritage. This continued even after 1947, owing to the apathy of the governments and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The 1809-vintage Gobindgarh Fort was renovated during the SAD-BJP regime; the historic Ram Bagh remained neglected. Though the Summer Palace and some other buildings have been restored, one of its Deoris is in a shambles. Plagued with encroachment, one of its windows has also fallen off.
The Baradari at Pul Moran, which testifies to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s stay in Amritsar during his visits from Lahore, is in dilapidated condition. The historic Bagh Akalian, of the Misl times, is an embarrassment for authorities. The SGPC, which has sought control of the galliara and the Heritage Street for maintenance and cleanliness, has failed to maintain and take care of it; a modern serai is planned here.
Activist Micheal Raul raised the issue of Misl period’s beautiful Haveli in Chhina Karam Singh village that is going to the dogs. Another structure with a well in Kathian Wala Bazar has the potential to attract tourists due to its heritage value. There is an old Chhatri in old Lakkar (wood) Mandi, besides many other structures made of small bricks and lime plaster.