Fire destroys temple in Shimla’s Rampur

A massive fire gutted a newly constructed three-storeyed temple of local deity Jharu Nag Devta in Shaneri village, Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, on Sunday around 7.50 pm. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.

According to the district administration, the blaze spread rapidly, completely reducing the temple to ashes despite efforts by the fire brigade and local residents to control it. The fire was eventually doused by firefighters.

Officials said the cause of the fire and total damage are yet to be ascertained. Locals reported that the temple, built at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore, was nearing completion and its Pran Pratishtha ceremony was scheduled for next year, making the loss deeply distressing for the community.