AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: The Punjab government would not hesitate to invoke Section 17 of tenant or shopkeeper residing within the 30meter periphery of the Golden Temple did not give up possession of his property immediately.
This was disclosed here on Monday by the security corridor project officer, Mr. J.S. Kesar.
He also said the project office would from Tuesday begin allocating alternative sites to shop Owners whose shops would be demolished under the Government’s beautification plan.
Government proposes to acquire 126 religious properties falling within 30 meters of the Golden Temple Complex, reports UNI. (An official notification to this effect is likely to be issued on Tuesday.
(Under the scheme, these religious properties are to be retained and maintained under the overall beautification scheme.
(Of them, 64 belong to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) while the remaining is owned by deras and individuals).
He said he had received about 250 forms from shopkeepers stating their preference.
The forms were processed late on Monday evening. About 60odd shopkeepers are to be allotted sites on Tuesday.
So far 85 building owners have agreed to vacate their buildings. But the authorities have taken over only 12 buildings. The remaining buildings could not be taken over as the tenants have not yet been shifted elsewhere.
Demolition work continued in the 30metre belt around the Golden Temple Complex for the fourth day on Monday.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 24, 1988
