Authorities have uncovered a startling case of alleged encroachment on government land in Sundardhunga, Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand. Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash stands accused of deceiving locals and clandestinely constructing a temple on a glacier, claiming divine guidance from Goddess Bhagwati. The controversy has sparked widespread condemnation from nearby villagers, including villager Mahendra Singh Dhami, who accuses Yogi Chaitanya of sacrilege against the revered Devi Kund. Dhami lamented that the religious leader misled people into supporting his construction, which turned the sacred site into a mere bathing spot.
Another villager, namely Prakash Kumar, echoed the sentiment, denouncing the temple’s construction as a violation of centuries-old traditions observed during the Nanda Raj Yatra. In response to mounting objections, local authorities have initiated an investigation. Anurag Arya, sub-divisional magistrate of Kapkot, affirmed that teams were being sent from the forest department, police, and revenue department to assess the situation at Devi Kund. Encroachment will be addressed, and appropriate action taken against Baba Yogi Chaitanya, he reaffirmed.
ND Pandey, Glacier Range Ranger, confirmed that authorities were aware of the situation and were deploying teams to evaluate the extent of the encroachment. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of local intelligence and enforcement agencies, particularly amid ongoing government efforts to curb encroachments in sensitive ecological zones. Concerns persist among both residents and officials regarding unchecked activities in these fragile areas.
Authorities are committed to resolving the issue swiftly and ensuring the preservation of Uttarakhand’s natural and cultural heritage.
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