Amritsar, January 7 -Blatant “violations” by private hotels and commercial complexes, surrounding the Golden Temple, that mar the beauty and ambience of the Sikh shrine, were highlighted by a BJP team, led by local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, here today.
The MP directed the Mayor to take immediate steps to stop such violations on the periphery of the Golden Temple and get all those hoardings put up by private parities removed.
Talking to the media afterwards, Sidhu stressed the need for drawing up a master plan listing the guidelines for the construction of commercial buildings and hotels in the vicinity of the Golden Temple. The constructions should conform to the basic design and architecture of the shrine.
Sidhu said the design of the water tank built in the vicinity of the temple should conform to shrine’s architecture. It is totally out of place and disturbs the visual serenity of the temple complex, he added.
He suggested no building should be allowed with higher elevation on the periphery of the temple. He said the government must raze the top floors of such buildings and provide them suitable compensation.
He would urge the Chief Minister to issue a notification banning illegal construction activity around the Golden Temple. Meanwhile, MC commissioner DPS Kharbanda said billboards violations were not compoundable as the Golden Temple had not been listed as a heritage site.