Sri Anandpur Sahib-Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stated that it is highly inappropriate for the Punjab Government to close the main approach road leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and to dig trenches there under the pretext of developing it as a “Virasati Marg” (Heritage Street) — especially when the 350th Martyrdom Saka anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar and the 350th Gurgaddi Diwas (Guruship Day) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh are being observed in November month.
He said the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)’s Executive Committee had passed a resolution on May 13, 2025, setting specific terms for constructing the heritage street leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and that resolution had already been formally conveyed to the government through the Takht Sahib’s manager then. However, instead of beginning the work in due time, the government initiated the project barely a month before the major centenary events and congregations, closing the main route and digging large pits on it. As a result, devotees arriving at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib are facing serious inconvenience.
Jathedar Gargajj said that if the government intended to undertake this work, it should have done so well in advance. Since the main centenary events are scheduled to be held in Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 21 to 29, and very little time remains, the government should immediately stop all work related to the heritage street. He added that large numbers of devotees have already begun arriving at Sri Anandpur Sahib in the form of Nagar Kirtans. Recently, two such Nagar Kirtans from the Malwa and Doaba regions, dedicated to the centenary, faced great hardship due to government-created obstructions on the main route.
Jathedar Gargajj further clarified that according to the SGPC’s resolution, the proposed heritage street project makes no mention of constructing any gate or deorhi on the side of the main Rupnagar–Nangal road — the section where large pits have been dug. Therefore, he asked that these pits be filled immediately and the road reopened for the convenience of devotees. He explained that the term “heritage street” refers to the preservation of the existing heritage in its original form, without any alteration or demolition while the government has acted completely opposite.
He stressed that the ongoing government work cannot possibly be completed before the November centenary events, and since lakhs of devotees will be visiting during that time, such construction should be deferred until after the centenary events.
He reminded that Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, located at Sri Anandpur Sahib, is the birthplace of the Khalsa, and hence any changes in its surroundings or approach routes should be made only with the collective consent of the Khalsa Panth and in accordance with the recommendations of the SGPC. He asked the government to focus on its essential responsibilities — such as improving the condition of roads leading to Sri Anandpur Sahib from Majha and Doaba and repairing the dilapidated bridge over the Sutlej River.
He also mentioned that the road from the Garhshankar side is being maintained and constructed through voluntary service by the saints associated with Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh Sahib, and therefore, instead of creating further inconvenience for devotees, the government should fulfill its own obligations and focus on improving amenities and cleanliness in the city.
Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj
