The Punjab tourism department has decided to shelve the Heritage Street project in Anandpur Sahib after Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) officials are learnt to have demanded major changes to its original concept.SGPC officials opposed the proposed gate at the Heritage Street, arguing that it would obstruct the view of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib from the main road, sources told The Tribune. They also objected to the laying of white marble on the road leading to the Takht, insisting that the route remain fully motorable.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had announced the project in November last year during an event to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. An amount of Rs 25 crore was sanctioned for it.Tourism department officials said the changes suggested by the SGPC would have required altering about 90 per cent of the original design. Since such changes would have completely compromised the project, the department decided to shelve it, they said.Minister Harjot Singh Bains, when contacted, said the department was now considering an alternative location in Anandpur Sahib, possibly on the road connecting Kesgarh Sahib and Sisganj Sahib gurdwaras, with the land being government-owned. “It was not feasible to accept the SGPC’s suggestions as 90 per cent of the original design would have had to be altered,” he said.The Heritage Street was pitched as a first-of-its kind project, with an all-white marble design intended to enhance the spiritual ambience of Anandpur Sahib and provide a seamless experience to pilgrims. “The project had the potential to transform the city’s tourism landscape, much like the Heritage Street in Amritsar. Tourism in Amritsar saw a major boost after the Heritage Street came up. Anandpur Sahib could have benefited similarly,” said officials. The SGPC, however, maintained the project would have caused inconvenience to devotees. On December 22 last year, the manager of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib formally wrote to the government, urging it not to commence work, citing potential disruption to pilgrim movement.Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also expressed reservations, noting that the gate could obstruct the Takht’s direct view, a concern “deeply tied to Sikh sentiments”. The government said the project was earlier approved by the SGPC, and that the opposition was “politically motivated”. The dispute comes amid row over the commemoration of the Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom anniv.