Flood Damage at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib: UNITED SIKHS Launches Restoration Drive

Kartarpur 26 September  Ali Imran Chattha

Kamaljeet Singh (Kam Singh Kahlon), Director of UNITED SIKHS from Texas, USA, undertook a special visit to Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, where he led a comprehensive damage assessment and recovery planning exercise following the recent floods that affected the historic site. The flooding caused extensive damage to the Sarowar Sahib (Holy Pool) and the power infrastructure, necessitating urgent remedial measures to safeguard the sanctity and functionality of the shrine. Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, one of the holiest places in Sikh heritage as the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, had also witnessed a major rescue operation during the floods in which the Pakistan Army evacuated more than 100 people, including staff members, Sikh pilgrims, and Granthis.

The review focused on critical areas including the restoration of the Sarovar Sahib, rehabilitation of power control and energy systems—comprising motors, pumps, control mechanisms, and water filtration units—alongside an appraisal of structural integrity and wider infrastructure needs. Attention was also directed towards the repair and maintenance of generators, with particular emphasis on battery replacement and water coolant systems to ensure continuous operation.

UNITED SIKHS has appealed for technical expertise and guidance from civil engineers, energy specialists, and conservation professionals worldwide to support this initiative. The organisation stressed its commitment to preserving the sanctity, safety, and long-term sustainability of this sacred site for future generations.

As part of its wider mission of heritage preservation, disaster response, and humanitarian service at key Sikh landmarks across the globe, UNITED SIKHS has already completed the restoration of the Sarovar Sahib system and generators serving Deori Darshan, the parking facilities, and Langar Sahib, in collaboration with the Pakistan Government’s Project Management Unit (PMU). Work on the Kethis Sahib generator remains in progress, overseen by the UNITED SIKHS engineering team in partnership with the PMU.