Self-styled godman builds unauthorized temple on Uttarakhand glacier
The construction on such an eco-sensitive location without permission raises concerns about the impact on the environment and the local cultural traditions.
In a surprising turn of events, self-proclaimed godman Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash has built an unauthorized temple on government land at the Sunderdhunga glacier in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district, standing at over 5,000 meters (16,500 feet). The Baba claims he received divine instructions to construct the temple at this ecologically sensitive location.
The local administration was unaware of this construction until recently and has launched an investigation into the unauthorized temple. Anurag Arya, the sub-divisional magistrate of Kapkot, announced that a team comprising members from the forest department, police, and revenue office will soon visit Devi Kund to dismantle the encroachment and take appropriate action against Yogi Chaitanya.
ND Pandey, the ranger of the Glacier Range, told the Times of India, “We have received communication about this unauthorized construction. A team is being dispatched to assess the situation at the location.” Mahendra Singh Dhami, a local resident, said that the Baba convinced villagers to support the project by claiming that Devi Bhagwati appeared in his dreams and instructed him to build the temple at Devi Kund.
Dhami further explained that the kund, a sacred spot for pilgrims and locals, has now been effectively turned into a swimming pool where the Baba is often seen bathing. Prakash Kumar, another villager, expressed his discontent, stating, “This is blasphemy. For centuries, our deities have visited the kund during the Nanda Raj Yatra every 12 years. Now, this so-called Baba has misled villagers and established this temple against our traditions.”
The local administration’s investigation aims to preserve the sanctity and ecological balance of the area. The construction on such an eco-sensitive location without permission raises concerns about the impact on the environment and the local cultural traditions.
This incident has sparked a significant backlash from the local community, who view the Baba’s actions as a violation of their traditions and disrespectful to their sacred sites. The authorities are now tasked with addressing the unauthorized construction and ensuring that the ecological and cultural integrity of the Sunderdhunga glacier area is maintained.
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