Damaged in fire, Chamunda temple awaits facelift

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, June 17

The ancient Himani Chamunda temple situated in the Dhauladhars is in a state of neglect. Though the state government has taken over its management five years ago, no steps have been taken for its renovation and creating facilities for thousands of pilgrims, who visit the temple.

Himani Chamunda temple can be a major attraction for tourists if developed in a planned manner.

The temple which was destroyed in a fire three years ago is yet to be renovated. A number of NGOs and charitable institutions are ready to undertake renovation work. However, since the temple is under the control of the state government, it needs the government’s approval. Therefore, the issue is hanging fire.

Shanta Kumar, Member of Parliament from Kangra, said he was ready to release funds for the construction of toilets, accommodation for pilgrims and the path to the temple, but till date the district administration had not submitted any plan to him and funds are yet to be released.

At present, there is neither any rain shelter nor toilet facility for pilgrims. Even the path leading to the temple from helipad is also in a bad shape. The temple complex is in a shambles and needs immediate repair and renovation. Besides, there is no drinking water facility available in the temple complex.

While talking to The Tribune, Shanta Kumar said he had brought all these facts to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, and also then Urban Development Minister Sudheer Sharma, who represents the area two years ago. He had promised to extend all help for the development of the ancient monument situated at the height of 10,000 feet, but no proposal had come before him so far.

Shanta Kumar has now requested Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to intervene and announce a special financial package for the development of Himani Chamunda from the ADB funds. He has also asked the Chief Minister to constitute a high-level committee of officers, so that the temple could be developed in a better way and pilgrims were benefited.

Complex in a shambles

• There is neither any rain shelter, nor toilet facility for pilgrims 
• The path leading to the temple from helipad is also in a bad shape 
• The temple complex is in a shambles and needs immediate renovation
• There is no drinking water facility