Chandigarh, July 18
In keeping with its strategy of preserving the timeless heritage of the region, the Punjab Government has written to the Union Government, requesting it to declare the Golden Temple at Amritsar as a World Heritage Monument.
In an official communication despatched by the Chief Minister’s office to the Union Tourism Minister, Mr Jagmohan today, the Punjab Government has sought the declaration of Sri Harmandar Sahib as such a monument for 2004. It has been stated that the Temple is an important legacy not only for the people of the Punjab but the entire mankind.
Building grounds in this regard, the Punjab government has stated that the Golden Temple qualifies as a world heritage monument for the uniqueness of its concept and architecture. It has further been conveyed to the Union Ministry of Tourism that not even one monument from Punjab features in the list of 20 historical and cultural sites declared as world heritage sites by UNESCO.
Sources in the Punjab Government today informed that the Centre’s immediate attention has been sought in this connection, especially as the deadline for presenting the Golden Temple’s case to the UNESCO expires in March 2003.
A special reference has been made to 2004, considering its immense significance in the history of the Sikhs and Punjab. The year will mark the 400th anniversary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple. Guru Granth Sahib was installed at Sri Harmandar Sahib in 1604. Giving further information to The Tribune today, highly placed sources said that the government has made this move to focus the attention of international community towards the priceless traditions and heritage of Punjab.
Till now no major steps have been taken to conserve and preserve Punjab’s heritage and legacy. The move is considered important especially in view of the support it already has from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
The SGPC has also offered a letter of interest to the Punjab Government in this connection. Meanwhile, the government has stated that the entire case would be presented by Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH), which has all the necessary expertise in this regard.
