Manikarnika Ghat: Damage to Ahilyabai idol, protestors claim

Protestors opposed a demolition drive under the redevelopment plan of Manikarnika Ghat, alleging damage to a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar, a charge refuted by the district administration.

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Wednesday said artefacts had been preserved for reinstallation, adding that the revamp was aimed at improving sanitation and space management at the ghat, which witnesses a large number of cremations daily. “The work is being carried out on the kachcha portion and for the reconstruction of old steps.

Certain artworks and idols embedded in walls were affected during the process, but they have been secured by the Culture Department and will be reinstalled in their original form after completion of the work,” he said. The protest, which began on Tuesday, was led by members of the Pal Samaj Samiti and supported by sections of the Marathi community and other local groups. The protestors alleged that the idol of Ahilyabai Holkar at the ghat was damaged without prior notice in the name of redevelopment, hurting community sentiments.

Mahendra Pal of the Samiti claimed that the century-old idol was removed during the demolition drive. Ajay Sharma, president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, alleged that several consecrated idols at the ghat were damaged, calling it an affront to religious sentiments.

“These idols were 'pran-pratishthit'. Breaking them with machines in the name of development is unacceptable,” he said.

Former corporator Sudhir Dedhge said, “Ahilyabai Holkar had played a historic role in rebuilding temples and ghats across the country, including the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath temple after its destruction in the 18th century.” 

He announced that representatives of the Dhangar, Pal communities and other sub-castes would meet on January 15 to chalk out a strategy for further protests.