New gurdwara faces opposition in US

A Sikh temple in the US is facing local opposition because of plans to replace its existing prayer hall with a 12,000-sq-ft building with gold domes in a rural neighbourhood, media reported Monday.

The construction of a new building has been opposed by the people in Sacramento County in California. Gurdwara authorities are questioning the residents whether race has played a role in the opposition, since building a church does not face any such opposition, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The Community Planning Advisory Council is scheduled to hear the Sri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara's proposal Wednesday.

County officials have denied claims of racism raised by any project opponents.

"When someone keeps complaining without reason, then you might guess that racism is the reason," a county resident, Ramesh Banger, said.

Charlea Moore, a member of the Community Planning Advisory Council, said neighbours have legitimate concerns about the project, but she said she thinks they can be resolved.

Residents raised complaints about how the temple would use properties adjacent to the prayer hall and a few complained about the drainage in the property due to the constant floods in the area. They also asked how parking would be handled, Moore said.

The project's supporters have addressed the concerns with plans for a detention pond and shuttle bus service when large events are scheduled.