Unauthorized temple construction
A self-styled godman, Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash, constructed an unauthorized temple on government land at an altitude exceeding 5,000 meters on the Sunderdhunga glacier in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand.
Nanda Raj Yatra
Baba Yogi Chaitanya claimed divine instructions for building the temple at Devi Kund, a sacred spot traditionally visited during the Nanda Raj Yatra every 12 years.
Devi Kund desecrated
Local villager Mahendra Singh Dhami expressed concern that the temple construction has desecrated Devi Kund, turning it into a bathing spot for the Baba.
Local administration unaware
The local administration, initially unaware, has now launched an investigation into the unauthorized construction. Kapkot sub-divisional magistrate Anurag Arya confirmed action will be taken by a joint team from the forest department, police, and revenue office.
Villager condemned
Villager Prakash Kumar condemned the temple construction as blasphemy against local traditions and deities.
Assessment team dispatched
ND Pandey, ranger of Glacier Range, mentioned that an assessment team is being dispatched to evaluate the situation and take necessary actions.
Sensitive ecological zones
The incident highlights lapses in intelligence and enforcement, particularly amidst ongoing anti-encroachment efforts in sensitive ecological zones.