Seepage has been reported in the Kedarnath temple, even though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) repaired the temple after the June 2013 disaster, which claimed over 5,000 lives.
Temple authorities say the deterioration of the structure may have begun years ago but went unnoticed due to the rush of pilgrims. However, the rocks, water and tonnes of mud and rubble that crashed into the temple on June 16-17, 2013, may have aggravated the situation.
Talking to The Pioneer, Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee chairman Ganesh Godiyal said that he has asked the ASI to give details of the repairs done by it after the disaster.
“The temple committee cleaned the shrine after the June 2013 disaster. Though there is no record, it is possible that the deterioration of the structure may have begun a long time ago and went unnoticed till the disaster struck. Be that as it may, the fact remains that Kedarnath is one of the most sacred shrines of the Hindus and it is time serious attention is paid to the safety, repairs and maintenance of the temple. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), the ASI and other experts will have to function in tandem to prevent any further damage to the temple and its presiding deity,” Godiyal said.
The ASI had scientifically washed the walls of the ancient temple with chemicals as they had been darkened and caked with soot and mud. However, Godiyal is not satisfied with the pace of work and wants the ASI to speed things along.
“The ASI has started its work but things are moving at a snail’s pace. They have a lot of work to do here. They have to repair the roof because water is seeping from it. They were also asked to repair or restore the damaged stones of the temple, repair the main door, make the temple wall stain-free, repair the floor outside the temple and rebuild the Ishan temple as well. That is why the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee wants them to give details of the work done by them till now and has asked them to set their priorities, otherwise the situation may turn serious in future,” he said.
Sources said that the Congress-led State Government, which has been making all efforts to restore the Char Dham Yatra at any cost, might have forgotten that there is an immediate need to take care of the ancient temple otherwise things might take a turn for the worse.
Talking to The Pioneer State BJP president Tirath Singh Rawat said: “It is very disappointing that there is seepage in Kedarnath temple. Ironically, the State Government is claiming that they are trying to restore the Char Dham Yatra but they are not taking care of the Kedarnath temple, which means so much to the devotees.”