Chandigarh, August 27, 2025- Heavy rainfall across Punjab and northern India has triggered widespread flooding, causing significant damage to both rural and urban areas. The rising waters of the Ravi River have now impacted the sacred Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, a revered Sikh shrine located in Narowal district. The gurdwara’s courtyard and surrounding areas are submerged, creating challenges for the local community and caretakers.
According to Inderjit Singh, a key member of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and head of the Kartarpur Corridor Welcome Committee, floodwaters breached the gurdwara’s outer walls around 3 AM after the Ravi River overflowed due to intense pressure from upstream water releases. Despite the flooding, the holy Guru Granth Sahib, along with other sacred scriptures, remains safe on the upper floor of the historic building, where they are carefully tended by a small group of sevadars (volunteers).
The flooding began late at night when the outer wall initially held back the rising waters, but the increasing volume eventually overwhelmed the barriers. Approximately 150 people, including sevadars and local workers, were present at the gurdwara when the waters surged. Rescue operations are ongoing, with boats and helicopters deployed to evacuate those stranded. Ramesh Singh Arora, president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, has been actively overseeing relief efforts, ensuring that every possible measure is taken to manage the crisis.
The low-lying location of the gurdwara has made it challenging to drain the floodwaters quickly, but the Pakistan Army and the Evacuee Trust Property Board are working diligently to address the situation. The ground-floor serais (resting areas) have been inundated, though the upper floors remain secure.
Inderjit Singh noted that prior warning from Indian authorities about the release of water from upstream dams could have allowed for better preparation. He emphasized that the global Sikh community’s prayers and support are vital as efforts continue to resolve the crisis. “With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we are working tirelessly to protect this sacred site,” he said.
The Kartarpur Corridor, which connects the gurdwara to Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Gurdaspur district, has also been affected, with operations temporarily suspended. Authorities on both sides of the border are coordinating to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of the shrine, a significant symbol of Sikh heritage where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years.