AMRITSAR: The Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has expressed deep concern over floodwaters from the Ravi River entering Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Western Punjab (Pakistan).
He said that according to the information received, several feet of water entered not only the main Darbar but also the entire complex of Sri Kartarpur Sahib, which has created a situation of grave concern among Sikhs living across India and abroad.
Jathedar Gargajj stated that this year, due to heavy rains, a massive flow of water has surged into the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers on both sides of Punjab, causing severe damage to crops, homes, livestock, and village.
He emphasized that in such times of calamity, everyone must support one another and ensure all possible assistance for those in distress. While no one can control nature, he said, governments must play their rightful role to protect people from such disasters.
He appreciated the relief services being carried out during this crisis by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), various Sikh organizations, Kar Sewa groups, and other Punjabi organisations. He mentioned that following the appeal made by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, special efforts should be undertaken to safely move the sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib from affected villages to secure locations.
Highlighting the religious and historical significance of Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, Jathedar Gargajj said it is a vital center of Sikh faith and heritage where the First Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev, spent the final and very important years of his life. He said although this year floodwaters have entered the Gurdwara premises, in the future, both the Pakistan government and state government of Western Punjab must ensure such situations do not occur. He stressed that strong embankments or permanent protective measures must be built at suitable points along the Ravi River to prevent floodwaters from entering the Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib complex.
The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib asked the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to work with the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to assess the damage caused to the building of Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, and ensure that a detailed report is sent through the SGPC to the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He also directed the SGPC to coordinate with the PSGPC and ETPB to collect and forward a complete report of the damage caused by the floods at Sri Kartarpur Sahib.
Jathedar Gargajj called upon both the India and Pakistan governments to take joint steps and maintain coordination so that in the future floodwaters never again reach Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib. This, he said, would prevent distress among Sikh communities worldwide.
He once again appealed to the Government of India that immediately after the floodwaters recede, Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor — which had recently been closed due to rising tensions between the two countries — should be reopened at the earliest. This would help strengthen mutual harmony and allow Sikh devotees from India to visit Sri Kartarpur Sahib, witness the present condition of the Gurdwara, and begin the necessary Kar Sewa (voluntary service).