Shaurya Sharma
Fatehgarh Sahib, July.29, 2020: A virtual tug of war has started between the SGPC and the district administration over the construction of a temporary shopping complex on the parking space opposite the historic Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib. The issue was raised by Kuljit Singh Nagra MLA Fatehgarh Sahib and the administration swung into action and stopped the ongoing construction activity, which the SGPC members & SAD(B) activists opposed.
SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal visited the place and condemned the district administration for interfering in the religious affairs of the Sikhs at the behest of local Congress MLA Kuljit Singh Nagra. He said that the land belongs to SGPC and they had been auctioning the site for shops every year. He alleged that whenever the Congress government comes into the power, they start interfering in the Sikh affairs. He warned that they would fight this arbitrary action on the part of district administration both politically and legally. He urged the CM to control his MLA, who is unnecessarily creating controversy.
When contacted SDM Fatehgarh Sahib Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, he rebutted the charge of interference in religious affairs and stated that the land meant for parking belongs to SGPC but the parking lot was constructed by the State government at the cost of Rs.75 Lakh as pilgrim circuit and the SGPC cannot misuse the parking lot for any commercial activity. He said that if they want to commercialise land in question they must apply for CLU. He said that the temporary structures are unsafe and in case of fire or some other natural calamity, who would be accountable. He said besides this the place is used as VIP parking during the Saheedi Jor Mela when lakhs of people including VIPs throng this place to pay obeisance. He said that Municipal Council had served notice to SGPC u/s 195A, but they did not reply and now the notice is being served u/s 220 of Municipal Act.
Meanwhile Kuljit Singh Nagra MLA said that the government is spending huge amount of money on the beautification of Fatehgarh Sahib including the surroundings of Gurudwaras and a makeshift commercial complex just opposite the historical gurudwara would be an eyesore. He stated that the SGPC has huge resources of income and very little money would be available from this temporary shopping center. He asked the SGPC to think in the larger interests of the pilgrims and take steps which are for “Sarbat Da Bhalla”.