Kartarpur Gurdwara restored after floodwater drained
Narowal: Authorities have successfully completed emergency operations to drain floodwater from the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, restoring the sacred Sikh shrine after unprecedented flooding left the complex submerged under 10 to 12 feet of water. The site is now set to reopen for international pilgrims within the next few days.
The large-scale cleanup was launched on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who ordered immediate action to protect and preserve the holy site. Rescue teams had earlier evacuated Sikh pilgrims using motorboats when floodwaters entered the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara complex, ensuring their safety before restoration efforts began.
Teams from Suthra Punjab, along with officials from multiple government departments, worked round-the-clock to drain water, clear debris, and sanitize the entire premises. Special focus was given to the Darshan Deori and surrounding courtyards, which have now been completely cleaned and restored.
The Deputy Commissioner of Nankana Sahib supervised the operation on-site, ensuring all parts of the shrine were reopened swiftly without compromising its sanctity. Officials confirmed that Sikh yatris (pilgrims) will once again be able to visit the revered site within three to four days.
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Community members and administrators praised the rapid response, noting that restoring the Gurdwara so quickly after such heavy flooding was a remarkable achievement.
Sharing a statement on social media, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her government’s commitment to safeguarding religious heritage and facilitating Sikh pilgrims from across the world.
“Kartarpur restored — from floods to faith. As a gesture of reverence to our Sikh brothers on both sides of the border, a special dewatering operation was carried out at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, which had been completely inundated. It has now been restored to a dry, safe condition,” she wrote.
The shrine, one of Sikhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, is expected to reopen within days, allowing yatris from India and other countries to resume visits through the Kartarpur Corridor.
