Efforts have begun to scientifically monitor and study the damage caused by rampant pollution to the 400-year old Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine located at Amritsar, dubbed as the Mecca of Sikhism.

After scientists and Sikh intellectuals rasied concerns, the Punjab government has now sought the assistance of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for suggesting measures for protection of the shrine after the Board undertakes a scientific study of the polluting ambient air in its vicinity.

The shrine attracts thousands of visitors from India and abroad every year and has become a centre of tourist attraction in north India besides its significance as a centre of pilgrimage for the Sikhs.

Built in 1604, the Golden Temple built in marble with a gold-plated sanctum sanctorum, is faced with corrosive effects of high levels of harmful nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide in the air.

A recent study by the Punjab Pollution Control Board had established the lurking threats to the shrine due to the presence of small scale industries around it.

The environment experts have warned of corrosion and blackening of the marble due to harmful gases which could also impact the centuries-old miniature paintings relating to Sikh gurus as also the gold plating.
Punjab Science, Technology and Environment Minister, Bikram Majithia has said that the aid of the CPCB had been sought owing to the Board's vast experience in suggesting measures for protection of Taj Mahal.
He said the government was worried about the increasing pollution level in the vicinity of the Golden Temple.

“This precious heritage site faces threat from urbanisation, industrialisation and other domestic activities which cause pollution,” he said.

Experts have even warned of the damage to the shrine due to obnoxious gases emanating from frequent bursting of fire crackers around the Temple.

The Golden Temple is historically and culturally the most important Sikh shrine. The shrine has faced attacks from Mughals and Afghans during the chequered history of Sikhism.

In recent history, the shrine was heavily damaged in the Operation Bluestar in 1984 and the Operation Black Thunder in 1988 carried out to flush out militants holed up in the shrine.