VOI World/ Desk
The devastating fire at Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar in Adelaide, Australia, has prompted the Akal Takht to call on gurdwaras worldwide to strengthen fire safety measures after an inquiry found that the destruction of sacred scriptures could have been prevented with timely action.
A probe committee constituted by the Akal Takht investigated the incident and concluded that negligence by the gurdwara management and staff contributed to the loss. According to the report, four saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib could have been moved to safety after the fire was detected, but despite having nearly 14 minutes to respond, no effective action was taken.
In a video message played during a bhog programme in Adelaide, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj described the incident as a “wake-up call” for Sikh institutions across the world. He urged gurdwaras to install dedicated fire safety systems, particularly in Sukhasan rooms where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept.
The inquiry also recommended that new gurdwaras should not be established without the approval and guidance of the Akal Takht. Gargaj appealed to the local sangat not to begin reconstruction or fundraising until the findings are fully reviewed and said he hopes to visit Australia to discuss the matter with the community.
The fire, believed to have originated from a gas leak in the kitchen, spread rapidly through the langar hall, darbar hall, Sukhasan room and residential quarters, destroying the building along with four saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib, around 70 Gutka Sahibs, 12 Pothi Sahibs and other religious articles. No casualties were reported.
The incident has sparked wider discussions on safety standards at gurdwaras around the world, with the Akal Takht urging Sikh institutions to strengthen emergency preparedness to protect places of worship and sacred heritage.
