Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 19

Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh today claimed the tunnel-like structure discovered during excavation work for a new “jora ghar” (where devotees keep their footwear) was Burj Gianian, which was demolished in 1988 to pave the way for ‘galliara’ (passage) beautification.

Construction plans

A two-wheeler parking will be created for the convenience of local devotees. This place will be utilised solely for devotees' convenience and there should not be any hue and cry over it.- Giani Harpreet Singh, Akal Takht officiating jathedar

He said the family that used to live there, claiming to be the ancestors of former priest of Golden Temple Sant Singh, got adequately compensated to vacate the land, which was developed as “galliara”. He said the place would now be utilised for devotees’ convenience.

“This private property was vacated by the family after being compensated by the government. Nobody objected when its four storeys were demolished during the ‘galliara’ beautification project. Now, the issue was being politicised when its basement with a couple of rooms surfaced during excavation,” he said.

He said the place located on the Akal Takht secretariat side of the complex, would be utilised for “joda ghar” and “gathri ghar” (where devotees could store belongings).

“Besides, a two-wheeler parking will be created for the convenience of local devotees. This place will be utilised solely for devotees’ convenience and there should not be any hue and cry over it,” he said.

The building had a unique architecture spread over 1,200 square yard with some rooms. Nonetheless, the work was stopped partially on the side where this structure was located. The Archaeological Survey of India’s team is expected to visit the site tomorrow for inspection to know about its historical or religious importance, if any.