Shiva's Tungnath Temple: A Call for Urgent Restoration Amid Water Leakage Issues

Structural Challenges Faced by Tungnath Temple

The ongoing heavy rainfall has significantly accelerated damage to the temple. Ajendra Ajay, the head of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, highlighted the temple's critical condition. He stated, The temple is facing serious issues like subsidence, weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates, which have caused water leakage, especially during the rainy season.

Expert Recommendations and Government Action

To address these challenges, the committee has reached out to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to explore potential restoration methods. Both organisations dispatched expert teams to the site in September to assess damage and recommend steps to mitigate further deterioration. Manoj Saxena, superintendent archaeologist at ASI, noted, While the temple is not officially protected by ASI, our team visited the site and provided recommendations. The temple committee has also sought help from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to ensure the temple's structural integrity. Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj stated, Given the temple's water leakage and structural problems, the government is prioritising its repair to ensure the structure remains safe for all visitors. As the temple committee collaborates with experts and government officials, the urgency of restoration efforts has become clear to protect this revered site for future generations.