Rs 1-cr project launched to restore Dharamsala’s Dal Lake

In a significant move to revive one of Dharamsala’s most iconic landmarks, the Durveshwar Mahadev Shiv Temple Trust has announced a comprehensive restoration and beautification project for the Dal Lake in Naddi, alongside the launch of a daily Maha Aarti from June 1. At the Trust’s quarterly meeting, Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania offered prayers and performed traditional rituals before reviewing ongoing initiatives.

Pathania said that the state government had approved a Rs 1-crore project for the lake’s restoration. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his support. He added that the Chief Minister was expected to attend the inaugural Maha Aarti ceremony at Shri Durveshwar Mahadev Shiv Temple, popularly known as Kangra’s Manimahesh, on June 1. He asserted that the initiative would enhance the site’s cultural and spiritual significance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving religious and heritage destinations in the state.

Dharamsala SDM Mohit Rattan, who is also the chairman of the Temple Trust, said that there were encouraging signs of recovery, with the lake beginning to retain water once again. He expressed optimism that its original charm would soon be restored.

The Dal Lake has long been central to Dharamsala’s tourism appeal, known for its tranquil setting amid dense deodar forests. It also holds deep religious importance, with a sacred dip believed to carry the same significance as the holy Nahaun at Manimahesh. The local belief links the lake’s deterioration to the disturbance of ‘Dhruv’, a native grass, during earlier excavation work, which is thought to have caused leakage. With restoration efforts now under way and expanded spiritual activities planned, the Dal Lake is set for a long-awaited revival.