“Unauthorised Temple on Glacier: Baba Under Scanner”

In a shocking revelation, a self-styled godman, Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash, has allegedly constructed an unauthorised temple at an altitude of over 5,000 meters in the Sunderdhanga glacier area of Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district. The temple, built using stones and metal sheets, is situated near a meadow adjacent to a lake, and is a significant concern for the authorities.

According to officials, a joint team comprising personnel from the revenue, forest, and police departments has been set up to investigate the allegations of encroachment. The team will trek to the region only after the monsoons are over, as the path is considered dangerous. The probe was initiated after a few residents from Badiyakot village, located 38 km from the site, met the District Magistrate to complain about Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash’s activities.

The villagers accused the Baba of violating tradition by bathing in the holy lake near the site, which is believed to be a sacred spot. According to local belief, only those possessed by the Devi during the Nanda Ashtami fair in September are permitted to bathe in the lake. The Baba’s actions have raised concerns among the locals, who are worried about the desecration of the sacred site.

The district officials were unaware of the encroachment as the area is not officially registered in their revenue records. Kapkot sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Anurag Arya revealed that the team will investigate the matter and visit the spot only after the monsoons are over. Arya stated that the region is off-limits after June 15 each year due to hazardous monsoon conditions, and permits are issued exclusively by the forest department.

The SDM also mentioned that the villagers claimed the Baba constructed the temple before June 15, but it is yet to be confirmed how he managed to carry the raw material to build the temple without the knowledge of the forest department. The team will also investigate why the locals allowed the construction of the temple and did not inform the authorities earlier. Additionally, the authorities are trying to trace Yogi Chaitanya Akash.

Local Patwari Sanjay Singh revealed that it takes a two-day-long trek to reach the spot. If instructed, he said that the team will remove the encroachment. The temple’s construction has raised concerns about the environmental impact and the potential harm it may cause to the fragile ecosystem of the Sunderdhanga glacier area.

The nearest settlement is more than 30 km away, and people typically visit the area with permission of the forest department in search of fodder or rare medicinal fungi like Keedajadi. The authorities are taking necessary steps to address the issue and ensure that the temple is removed, and the sacred site is protected.

Historical Context:

The Sunderdhanga glacier area in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district is a sacred site with a rich cultural and spiritual significance. The region is home to several ancient temples and shrines, and the lake near the alleged unauthorized temple is believed to be a holy spot. The Nanda Ashtami fair in September is a significant event in the region, where devotees gather to worship and pay homage to the Devi. The construction of the unauthorized temple by Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash has raised concerns among the locals and authorities about the desecration of the sacred site.

The article highlights the concerns of the villagers and authorities about the environmental impact of the temple’s construction on the fragile ecosystem of the Sunderdhanga glacier area. The region is known for its rare medicinal fungi like Keedajadi, and the construction of the temple may harm the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash has allegedly constructed an unauthorized temple at an altitude of over 5,000 meters in the Sunderdhanga glacier area of Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district. • The temple is situated near a lake and is a significant concern for the authorities due to its potential environmental impact and harm to the fragile ecosystem. • A joint team comprising revenue, forest, and police department personnel has been set up to investigate the allegations of encroachment. • The team will trek to the region only after the monsoons are over, as the path is considered dangerous. • The villagers accused the Baba of violating tradition by bathing in the holy lake, which is believed to be a sacred spot. • The Baba’s actions have raised concerns among the locals, who are worried about the desecration of the sacred site. • The district officials were unaware of the encroachment as the area is not officially registered in their revenue records. • The team will investigate how the Baba managed to carry the raw material to build the temple without the knowledge of the forest department. • The authorities are trying to trace Yogi Chaitanya Akash and remove the encroachment. • The nearest settlement is more than 30 km away, and people typically visit the area with permission of the forest department in search of fodder or rare medicinal fungi like Keedajadi. • The authorities are taking necessary steps to address the issue and ensure that the temple is removed and the sacred site is protected.