Power, water supply to Kullu temple disconnected

Our Correspondent

Kullu, December 5

The authorities of the IPH and the HPSEB disconnected water and electricity connection of the Mahadevi Teerth, also called the Vaishno Mata temple, in Kullu and the sarai adjoining it, four km from here today.

HPSEB SDO Shyam Lal Bodh, Forest Department Range officer Vanadana Thakur and IPH JE Aaradhya along with other officials carried out the action today.

A notice regarding disconnection had been given to the temple committee after the Forest Department initiated action for illegal construction and encroachment on forest land by the temple authorities. Earlier, eviction orders had been issued by the department in March 2014 and now the orders of the High Court to evict encroachments on forest land.

The temple has a small cave, just like the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and it had become a major tourist attraction of the town. Besides, there was a large sarai adjoining the temple, which makes it a convenient place for visitors. The temple and the sarai are being currently managed by the Shardamaa Sewa Sangh.

Kullu Divisional forest officer (DFO) Neeraj Chadha said further action would be initiated in accordance with the law. None of the authorities of temple committee were available for comment.