Golden Temple replica at south Delhi park sparks row

NEW DELHI: The Bharat Darshan Park, which is being developed by South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in Punjabi Bagh, seems to be embroiled in another controversy with a few Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) members on Monday demanding dismantling of the replica of Golden Temple being built there.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, president, DSGMC, said they were united in raising their voice and would act against any form of disrespect shown to the sanctum sanctorum of Sikhs. However, Mukesh Suryan, mayor, SDMC, said Sirsa was not the lone representative of the Sikhs and wider consultations would be taken with other religious leaders.
“The park has replicas of temples and important monuments from all religions. It is being developed to showcase our nation’s heritage. It is not meant to disrespect any community. Sirsa should not play politics over such an issue,” the mayor said, adding that Sirsa and Union minister Hardeep Puri were present at the foundation laying ceremony of the park.
Meanwhile, Sirsa tweeted, “Darbar Sahib, Amritsar is not a tourist spot that can be replicated. It is the sanctum sanctorum for Sikhs and seeing a replica for touristy offends us to the core (sic)”
A municipal official said people from the Sikh community arrived at the site on Monday morning to damage the structures, but were stopped. The mayor said, for the time being, the work on this structure would be kept pending and consensus built on the issue.
The councillor from Punjabi Bagh, Kailash Sankla, said this was a non-issue that was being blown up in view of the upcoming municipal elections. “When the foundation stone was laid, Puri and the gurdwara committee chief were also present. If anyone wanted to raise any objection, it could have been done then. Artists are trying to showcase our national heritage and people should not try to stroke religious sentiments over this issue,” he added.
Bharat Darshan Park is being set up after the success of the Waste to Wonder Park, which showcases the seven wonders of the world. It will host replicas of important heritage sites and monuments, including Konark Temple, Charminar, Nalanda ruins, Golden Temple, Meenakshi Temple and Sanchi Stupa.
An official said the park was spread over 8 acres and would host 18 replicas. With an estimated cost of Rs 1.12 crore, the Golden Temple replica is expected to be the most expensive. As much as 12 tonnes of scrap has been used for the structure, which is around 22 feet high, the official added.
“Meticulous work of so many artists is being destroyed,” an official remarked. The park was expected to be completed by March-April, but Covid delayed the work by three months.