JMC begins ₹38.17 Lakh interlocking tile work at Chand Kour Nagar Gurdwara

Long-pending demand of Sikh Sangat fulfilled; project to improve accessibility and convenience for devotees

Fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Sikh Sangat, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has commenced work on laying interlocking tiles at Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Chand Kour Nagar, Jammu, at an estimated cost of ₹38.17 lakh.The work was inaugurated by Kar Sewa Baba Deep Singh Ji and S. Gurdarshan Singh, retired JKAS officer, in the presence of S. Balvinder Singh, Vice-President, District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), Jammu; S. Surjeet Singh, General Secretary, DGPC Jammu; S. Harjeet Singh, Member, DGPC Jammu; S. Tejinder Singh; S. Avtar Singh, Member, DGPC Jammu; S. Kulvinder Singh, President, Local Gurdwara Management Committee; S. Harmeet Singh; S. Manjeet Singh Ji; S. Gurpreet Singh; S. Harjang Singh; S. Ajeet Singh; S. Trilok Singh; and other members of the Sikh Sangat.

Speaking on the occasion, S. Balvinder Singh, Vice-President, DGPC Jammu, described the commencement of the project as an important step towards resolving a long-standing problem faced by devotees visiting the Gurudwara Sahib, particularly during religious congregations and special Gurpurab celebrations.He said the uneven surface of the ground had been causing considerable inconvenience to devotees for a long time. During religious programmes, large numbers of people gather at the Gurudwara Sahib to pay obeisance and participate in congregations, making the condition of the premises a matter of concern.

The situation becomes particularly difficult during the rainy season, when the area turns muddy, creating problems for devotees, especially senior citizens, children and other visitors.S. Surjeet Singh and S. Harjeet Singh emphasised that the installation of interlocking tiles would provide a level, durable and convenient surface, improving accessibility, cleanliness and the overall surroundings of the Gurudwara Sahib.

They observed that the project was not merely an infrastructure improvement but also an important step towards ensuring the comfort, dignity and convenience of devotees visiting the shrine throughout the year.Expressing gratitude to the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, and other concerned authorities for approving the project, S. Balvinder Singh said the Sikh Sangat had been awaiting the fulfilment of this genuine demand for a considerable period. He appreciated the JMC authorities for acknowledging the need and initiating the work.

Highlighting the broader humanitarian role of the Gurudwara Sahib, S. Balvinder Singh said its Langar Hall had, on several occasions, remained open to provide food and shelter to Amarnath Yatris stranded due to road blockages and other disruptions during the annual pilgrimage.He said the Gurudwara Sahib had served not only as a place of worship for the Sikh community but also as a centre of compassion, humanitarian service and assistance to people in distress, irrespective of their religion or background.The commencement of the interlocking tile project is expected to provide lasting relief to devotees and improve facilities at the Gurudwara Sahib, reflecting the importance of community needs and the preservation of accessible, well-maintained religious spaces.