Following recent protest and talk on the social media regarding reported axing of green trees in the Matawala Bagh, the Sri Guru Ram Rai Durbar Sahib has averred that facts were distorted in this case to defame the organisation.
According to the official spokesman of the Durbar Sahib, some elements were trying to spread rumours to incident public sentiments. Such attempts were aimed at "blackmailing" the Durbar Sahib management, he alleged. The authorised spokesman Bhupendra Raturi said, "First, misinformation regarding the axing of green trees in Matawala Bagh was spread on the social media. After the forest department found these allegations baseless in its probe, attempts were made to incite public sentiments through misinformation spread on the social media. Some people also staged a protest at the gate of Matawala Bagh but their demands seemed to be unclear. The Matawala Bagh is a 300 year old historical location where the Durbar Sahib will not tolerate the interference of any anti-social elements. Strict steps will be taken to bar the entry of people who are looking for a place to gamble, drink liquor of abuse substances. The faculty members of Agriculture in Sri Guru Ram Rai University will undertake research aimed at the revival of Matawala Bagh.
New plantations will be done under their guidance in this location where work on organic agriculture is already being undertaken. It is necessary that for the protection of such plantations, the mischievous elements are barred from entering the place till the plants are mature."
The official spokesman further said that there is no plan for any construction of any type in this garden area. Those who want to contribute to the place considering it their own, can apply to the Durbar Sahib along with a photo identification card. The spokesman further said that on June 7, an advocate had posted objectionable comments against the Durbar Sahib and its Mahant Devendra Dass.
The Durbar Sahib management had communicated with the administration and police seeking stringent action against this. However, on Sunday, the person concerned had sought an apology for his earlier post, which was granted by the Durbar Sahib management.
The Durbar Sahib management has, further, appealed the public to not trust misinformation. Attempts had been made to defame the organisation and legal action will be taken against those responsible for such attempts, added Raturi.