Pilgrim count at Golden Temple falls, trade hit too

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 5

The tension at the Indo-Pak border has not only displaced thousands of villagers but has also shown its impact on the trade and hospitality industry.

The flow of visitors to the Golden Temple too has reduced. Manager Sulakhan Singh said: “Since September 29, when the border belt vacation orders were issued, there has been 20 per cent decline in the number of devotees. The consumption of material for preparation of langar (community food) witnessed 15 per cent fall. Earlier, around 70 quintals of flour was used daily, now 50 quintals is being used,” he said.

Following a ban on public viewing of the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post and evacuation of residents from Attari, the economy of the small border town has taken a hit.

A 90 per cent decline in the toll tax revenue at the Amritsar-Attari toll plaza testifies the drastic fall in the traffic. An official said only 40-50 vehicles passed through the toll these days against 700-800 vehicles earlier.

Located just 2 km from the Attari-Wagah border is Sarhad, a restaurant that promotes the theme of “peace through food” with its Amritsari-Lahori cuisine. It has reported 90 per cent decline in sales. Other eateries and hotels in the area too have witnessed a drastic decline in their revenue.

Charnjit Singh Chadha, proprietor of HK Clark Inn, said the occupancy had declined to 30 per cent after the border tension. “Even the advance bookings are being cancelled whereas October-December happens to be peak season for business,” he said.