Landslide endangers 800-yr-old Baijnath temple

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, July 17

A landslide near the ancient Shiva Temple in Baijnath has posed a serious threat to the 800-year-old historical monument. If no steps are taken, the temple, which was built in 1204, can suffer heavy damage this monsoon.

The retaining wall of the temple is on the verge of collapse. A portion of the temple situated on the left bank of the Binwa has developed cracks because of soil erosion and landslides.

Two years ago, when the issue was raised in the state Assembly by Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had sanctioned Rs 5 crore for its repair and maintenance. However, no funds were released to the local administration.

The historical monument encompasses the essential features of the Nagara temples. It lies on the Kullu-Lahual Spiti road, an ancient route to Central Asia.

The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has spent lakhs on its maintenance and development over the past 10 years. Thousands of tourists visit the temple every year. The state government has constituted a trust to manage the affairs of the temple and the SDM, Baijnath, is its president.

Local residents alleged that major damage to the temple complex had been caused by illegal mining in the Binwa river over the past 10 years. Though the state government and the state High Court have imposed a ban on mining in the Binwa river, it’s been going on unabated.

Bachitar Singh, temple officer, said the ASI officials had been informed about the damage to the temple caused due to the recent rains.