A new multi-storey building, set to offer modern accommodation to Sikh jathedars and priests, has ignited controversy among religious scholars and conservation experts. The structure, erected immediately outside the Golden Temple complex by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has drawn sharp criticism over concerns that its towering presence could eclipse the sacred Akal Takht.
The SGPC, which is spearheading the project, maintains that the building will adhere to religious ethics. SGPC secretary Partap Singh emphasized that the design ensures the structure would never exceed the height of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism. “Our commitment is to uphold the sanctity of Sikh traditions. The accommodation is planned on a 600-yard plot and is dedicated solely to serving the ‘Singh sahibs’ connected with both the Golden Temple and the Akal Takht,” Singh stated.
However, not everyone is reassured by these assurances. Dr. Amarjit Singh, head of the Centre for Guru Granth Sahib Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, expressed strong reservations about the project. He described the decision as a “major lapse” by the SGPC, arguing that a high-rise of such magnitude risks compromising the serene and historical ambiance of the Golden Temple complex. “Erecting a structure of this scale near the shrine not only disrupts the visual harmony of the area but could also be perceived as diminishing the spiritual importance of the Akal Takht,” he remarked.
Dr. Balwinder Singh, a noted conservation expert with deep ties to Amritsar’s urban planning, questioned the rationale behind the high-rise’s design. Pointing to the original architecture of the sacred complex and the historic walled city established by Guru Ram Das, he stressed that a more sensitive approach was warranted. “The SGPC should have engaged architectural consultants to study the traditional layout and ensure that any new construction respects the city’s heritage,” Dr. Singh contended.
The concerns extend beyond academia. Human rights activist Sarbjit Singh Verka, who has long fought against unsanctioned developments around the Golden Temple, voiced his discontent over the proposed building’s impact on the old city’s skyline. “As a devotee, I see this towering structure as an eyesore that detracts from the revered character of the shrine,” Verka said. He hinted at possible legal action, indicating that he is prepared to take the matter to the High Court should the construction violate established heritage guidelines.
As debates continue over the high-rise’s potential effects on the iconic spiritual landscape of Amritsar, the SGPC’s assurances stand in stark contrast to the concerns of scholars and local activists. The project, intended to support the religious community, now finds itself at the center of a broader discussion about maintaining the delicate balance between modern needs and preserving centuries-old heritage.
