Controversy Erupts Over Proposal to Divert Sacred Water from Manikaran
KULLU: A recent proposal to transfer water from the natural hot springs of Manikaran, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs, to the nearby tourist destination of Kasol has ignited widespread unrest among local residents. With the plan to use this “holy water” for commercial purposes sparking outrage, locals have threatened mass agitation unless the initiative is retracted.
During a recent meeting of the Special Area Development Authority, the idea emerged to construct a new nature park in Kasol featuring ‘jacuzzi hot baths’, supplied by water piped in from Manikaran, located just 4km away. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from the residents of Manikaran, who argue that such a move would desecrate their sacred site.
Local resident Narender Kumar stated, “Manikaran is a site of pilgrimage, and no one should be allowed to misuse the water. If the government wants to build hot baths, then they should do it in Manikaran itself.” He further emphasized that even the deities oppose the diversion of water.
Another resident, Shailender Sharma, voiced his concerns, saying, “The imposition of SADA in Manikaran has led to zero development, and now they want to take away our water… we would not let them do so.”
The proposal has also stirred political tensions, with BJP’s Narotam Thakur accusing Kullu’s Congress MLA, Sundar Singh Thakur, of having “vested interests” in the project. Thakur remarked, “It’s a bad idea to transfer the holy water of Manikaran, which is a globally renowned religious site.”
Former MP Maheshwar Singh also condemned the proposal, asserting that the sacred water of Manikaran should not be commercialized. In response, Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur claimed that opposition to development often cloaks itself in religious sentiment. “No one will be allowed to thwart the development process on the pretext of religion,” he stated.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the future of this proposal remains uncertain. If you’re looking for the best deals and offers around you, check out Looffers.com for exclusive promotions!
