‘Amritsar need not transform into Paris or Switzerland; greenery and heritage more important’

Amritsar, Punjab: Quipping at deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s remark on transforming Amritsar into a world class city , former chairman, Confederation of Indian Industries, Punjab Gunbir Singh said “We have heard enough grandiose plans for our city. Amritsar does not want to be a Paris or Switzerland or Singapore. We have had enough of that lip service. Amritsar also does not need its officers to travel to Lahore or other foreign junkets, because we have never learnt from them”.

He suggested that there was a need to look at home grown solutions for the problems. Addressing cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Gunbir said “We need you to direct your administration to make them available to citizens, and make things happen for a clean and green city begetting its stature as the city of eminence as a global centre of spirituality and tourism interest”. However he hailed Sukhbir’s wishes to to paint in a single colour the Hall Gate route to Golden Temple and add a heritage feel.

“While the thought is laudable, perhaps the single colour should be green creepers on all buildings on both sides” he said. Gunbir further added that it was a maintenance free solution which will mop up pollution and look beautiful for the whole world to see. He said that the holy city needed a twofold plan. One to preserve and showcase heritage in the walled city. The other to develop the civil lines across the rail line in a clean and green manner. “All we want is that the government machinery should work in tandem with well meaning citizens who seek their support to make a better Amritsar. We do not seek big ticket funds, but need public servants to perform their duty” said he.

Source: TOI