Decision on conservation of ancient Parvati idol delayed

Nashik: A decision on conservation of the 18th century Parvati idol in the main temple of Trimbakeshwar is likely to be delayed as the state archaeology department said it would take a decision only after getting a green signal from its science branch.
The trustees of the temple had met director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Rakesh Tewari and requested his intervention in conserving the idol that has been carved out of a single stone.Tewari had written to the chemology department of its Aurangabad Circle.
After the trustees met him again recently, Tewari sent an email to the state archaeology department, asking themto inspect the idol that was repaired and installed by the trust in 1955. However, the department is yet to inspect the idol.
MS Chouhan, superintending archaeologist of the state archaeology department said, "Tewari asked us to inspect the idol first and then decide if it has to be conserved... We will consult the science department first. But if it is conserved then good care should be taken after the conservation. The caretakers should be able to assure us that the idol will be taken due care of."
"The idol is in a bad shape and its parts could crumble any time. Tewari had asked us what care we would take of the idol if it was conserved and he sent the email to the state archaeology department only after he was convinced that we would take care of the idol," said a trustee.