Irrespective of the warnings issued by the environmentalists, different survey institutions and protest of residents, who reside around the pious hillock, the civil construction cum beautification work at the Pahari Temple is yet to begin in a full-fledged way. The prominent religiuos site has been reeling under the constant threat of mishaps for past few years from now.
From repairing the cracked staircases to planting saplings in sufficient numbers and the fencing work in consultation with Department of Tourism, several beautification projects announced a year ago are yet to see the light of the day. In addition, even after so many years, the maintenance and managing committee of Pahari Temple has no suitable plan to resolve the issue of soil erosion.
The regular soil erosion with the onset of monsoon season or during incessant rains in off-seasons is one of the major problems here besides the lopsided civil construction work. The unplanned civil construction work started earlier had left the spot in a total mess, putting immense pressure on rocks while adding on more to the menace. The risk doubles during the auspicious occasions like ‘Shravan’ and ‘Mahashivatri’.
With just a few days left for ‘Mahashivatri’, the committee, in order to save face has just resumed a minor civil work there. Despite the instructions issued by Chief Minister Raghubar Das in September 2018 to take preventive measures and complete the civil construction tasks here at the earliest considering several risk factors, no major initiative has been carried out by the respective committee to avert unpleasant incidents.
Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti — the core committee for maintaining the temple located at a height of 200 feet atop hill is yet to figure out ways to retain the deteriorating condition of this ancient shrine.
“At present, we are just focusing on repairing the cracked staircases. On voluntary basis, a few people, groups have come forward who are aiding the district administration team in putting anti slip tiles. Also, district administration has written to Forest Department regarding the requirement of saplings. Soon, the issue of fencing will be resolved,” said Ranchi SDO and ex-officio Chairman of Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti, Garima Singh on Saturday.
Besides the small initiatives of district administration including the managing committee, up till now, no official draft to resolve the problem of mudslide during heavy rainfall has been presented by the civil construction company handling the project.
The age-old temple after hoisting the tricolour in January 2016 on the 293 feet flag post had witnessed quite a number of mudslide incidents hinting towards misfortunes. Several environmentalists then had registered their objections over carrying out the major civil erection work there and had repeatedly warned the authorities about its consequences.
“Regular meetings are being conducted to restore the temple. The work of the civil construction has started in consultation with Ranchi District Administration. Considering the packed ‘Mahashivatri’, all basic measures have been adopted to prevent untoward incidents. A few minor civil construction works is expected to get over soon,” said a member of the committee.