Defying govt orders, Devi Kothi heritage temple in Chamba being renovated

Lalit Mohan

Dharamsala, August 1

Despite the fact that the government has notified that no heritage building can be altered without the permission of a DC, many heritage buildings are being changed on the whims of local politicians.

The recent renovation by government contractors at the Devi Kothi temple in Chamba district has attracted the ire of conservationists.

DCs nod must, says notification

• The temple is known for its splendid wood carvings and murals
• As per the notification, for renovating buildings that are 100-year old or more, permission of DCs have to be sought

Vijay Sharma, a heritage conservationist and Padma Shri awardee for work in Kangra paintings, while talking to The Tribune, said the Devi Kothi temple was known for its splendid wood carvings and murals. The temple front part had been defaced.

The facade of the temple had been covered by wooden pillars made by the modern artisans, he said. The ancient shrine was built by Raja Umed Singh of Chamba in the mid 18th century.

Had raised issue last year

The temple front part had been defaced. Some art lovers had raised the issue the previous year too. After that they were assured that the old structure of the temple would not be changed. —Vijay Sharma, Padma Shri awardee

Vijay said some art lovers had raised this issue the previous year too. After that they were assured that the old structure of the temple would not be changed.

Vijay has written a book on the temple. He had raised the issue when the concrete pillars were laid a few months ago around the temple. He had also approached Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for its intervention. The government had sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for the conservation of the structure. But the amount was not utilised for the purpose it was sanctioned.

Sharma has urged the Chief Minister to take notice and issue order to remove such gaudy woodwork from the temple.

The government had moved to protect the heritage building. As per the notification issued by the Governor for all buildings that are 100-year old or more, permission would have to be sought from the DCs for their renovation.

The local committee and panchayats would also be informed before any change in heritage buildings or structures. The order will also apply to private buildings.

The DCs had also been directed to give permission for a change in heritage structures only if they were satisfied that basic nature, architecture and old frescos in the heritage buildings would not be damaged.

The notification stated that the government had taken the decision as many heritage buildings were being damaged during restructuring due to which the state was losing its heritage.

Malwika Pathania, state convener of INTACH, said despite the notification, the heritage buildings were being altered without the permission of the government.

“I will write to the Governor and the Chief Secretary to take action against those who changed the original structure of the Devi Kothi temple,” she said.