No demarcation of forest blocks Churdhar development

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News service

Shimla, July 24

The highest peak of Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 11,966 feet, Churdhar is seeking attention of the administration for development. Being thronged by thousands of pilgrims and adventure lovers, the peak, which houses Shirgul Maharaj Temple, is facing the hurdle of “no demarcation” of forest areas.

As per revenue records, boundaries of the forest range overlap with Shimla district and old Sirmaur province and thus, restricting development of the range.

Jai Sood, a tourist from Shimla who visited the temple recently, said environs of the temple were gradually decaying due to “dirt and filth”. Open defecation has become a common practice in the absence of properly maintained toilets, he said. “The area, which can be developed as a major tourist destination, is facing a threat of environmental degradation,” the tourist said.

The temple priest said the power supply was erratic due to hostile weather and they were facing problems to keep the toilets clean and provide accommodation to tourists.

SDM Chopal Anil Chauhan, who manages the temple, said, “We are finding it difficult to build infrastructure in Churdhar due to overlapping forest boundaries with Shimla and old Sirmaur province.”

“Efforts are on to refurbish the infrastructure and renovate the temple. It is a challenge for us to cater to the needs of thousands of people visiting the temple at the same time. The temple management and the Churdhar Seva Samiti have to do make-shift arrangements. The power supply is erratic in Chopal sub-division due to frequent faults in transmission lines,” he said.

Dinesh Gupta, SE (operations), HP Electricity Board, Sirmaur, there was no perennial power shortage, but the supply was interrupted many a time due to bad weather. It takes more time for rectifying the fault as the area is covered with a thick forest and the terrain is tough, he said.

Prof Amar Singh Chauhan, founder, Churdhar Seva Samiti, said, “There are 12 toilets and 18 are under construction. Seva Dal volunteers clean the toilets after two-three days as no staff has been hired for the job.”

Locals are in favour of transferring the administrative control of the area to the Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur.