DC tells MC officials to keep roads leading to Golden Temple clean

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 19

In the absence of mechanical sweeping, Heritage Street and other roads around the Golden Temple leading to the holy shrine remains dirty. The MC had ended the services of a private firm hired for managing cleanliness. Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr Ajay Kanwar said they have two machines for cleanliness and two more truck-mounted machines would be added to deal with the issue soon.

On Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira visited the area and instructed MC officials to maintain the surroundings of the Golden Temple and all roads leading to the shrine, including the Heritage Street. Khaira himself inspected the condition of the car parking, bathrooms, roads and streets, which are encroached upon by shopkeepers. He directed all departments to make comprehensive improvements. “This is my first visit to check sanitation and arrangements, but now, I will visit the site after every two months to get a glimpse of the surroundings,” he said.

The DC said: “Darbar Sahib is not only our biggest pilgrimage, but also the main destination for the promotion of religious tourism in the city. Due to the pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple, the tourism industry here is flourishing. So, it is our duty to take care of its surroundings.” Khaira also appealed to the shopkeepers on the way to Darbar Sahib to keep their goods confined to their shop only and not occupy roads by spreading out their items.