Unauthorised Temple Sparks Controversy in Uttarakhand's Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Bageshwar district administration in Uttarakhand has sent a team of officials to Sunderdhunga, perched above 12,000 feet, to investigate an unauthorised temple erected by a self-styled godman, Chaitanya Akash, in an eco-sensitive area.

This action follows complaints from nearby villagers accusing the baba of desecrating Devi Kund, a sacred lake, as he bathes in it. Villagers use this lake for their deities once a year and see the baba’s actions as sacrilegious.

Bageshwar District Magistrate Anuradha Pal confirmed that a 14-member team, including police, SDRF personnel, and officials from the revenue and forest departments, has been dispatched to examine the situation.

The baba’s activities, including encouraging tourists to bathe in the lake, have raised concerns. The team is tasked with determining if the temple construction violated sanctuary laws, given the temple’s location within the Nandadevi biosphere.

Reports suggest the baba convinced locals to help build the temple by claiming Goddess Bhagwati appeared in his dream and instructed him to construct it using wood and stone.

(With inputs from agencies.)