Reckless attitude of local administration turns ancient Shiv temple into garbage dump

Dharampuri: Reckless attitude of local administration and lack of maintenance work is taking a toll on several ancient temples in the town.

Many religious heads in the town claimed that many ancient temples have become dumping ground for garbage, while anti-social elements and land grabbers leading no stone unturned to encroach the place for their own devious interests.

Sharing old memories, 70 years old Indirabai Vyas said that the town had rich historical past with many religious places including an ancient Shiva Temple. Its arch is about four feet high from land. Vyas informed that till 1970 they used to visit the temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Pt Santoshchandra Joshi, 72, informed that this place had been used by saints for temporary stay with their mandali.

The elderly people of town informed that in 1970 the entire region was affected due to heavy flooding from Narmada river water. The Shiva temple was also affected. Post the flood the administration authorities did not get the filth cleared from the temple premises. The elderly people added said that there was a white marble Shivalingam in the temple, which has vanished. Some of local youths had tried to clear the garbage from this temple premises, but following objections by some residents administration forced the youths to stop the work.