Amritsar, July 13
With the state government roping in acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, the much-hyped Galiara project may finally get the impetus required to see it through.
The beautification plan of surroundings of Harmandar Sahib– known as Galiara Project – was the brainchild of the Central government and was announced in 1988.
The Rs 70-crore project was aimed at replacing the narrow lanes and shops around Harmandar Sahib with a green belt free of vehicular traffic.
The project was to be completed in five phases, but 15 years later, the fifth phase is still far from complete. It involves beautification right opposite Harmandar Sahib.
A ray of hope came in when the district administration succeeded in getting vacated the entire market opposite Harmandar Sahib. The demolition of these shops has already started.
In this fifth phase, an open plaza will be built and a visitors’ facilitation centre constructed in the basement.
Deputy Commissioner Kahan Singh Pannu, who is also in charge of this project, said the work was on in full swing.
“Moshe Safdie, who will design this plaza, met us and visited the area. He will give us the final designs of this fifth phase by August 15 and the project is likely to be completed by end of this year.”
Once this phase is complete, no vehicle will be allowed in the area. “Not only will the congestion end, the worrying issue of pollution around Harmandar Sahib will also be sorted out,” said the DC.
