Amritsar’s Sacred Heart Scarred: Golden Temple’s Heritage Under Siege
Modern construction has dramatically reshaped the landscape surrounding the Golden Temple, raising concerns about violations of heritage guidelines. The recent government directives aimed at regulating future construction are seen by many as too little, too late.
Conservationists lament the irreversible damage already inflicted upon the area’s historical character. They point to the encroachment of modern structures on the temple’s sanctity and its visual impact.
The plea from preservation groups is twofold: immediate preservation of remaining historic structures and a comprehensive review of building bylaws to prevent future infringements.
This controversy highlights the delicate balance between development and the preservation of India’s invaluable cultural heritage. The ongoing debate underscores the need for stricter enforcement of heritage protection laws, not just in Amritsar but across the nation, to safeguard our historical legacy for future generations.
