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River poses risk to historic Baidyanath temple

Achham, May 5 : The Baidyanath Dham Temple, a famed pilgrimage site in far-western region is in high risk of getting flooded by a river.

The Budhiganga river near the temple is continuing to breach its bank over the years. A flood in 1986 had swept away all the structures of the Baidyanath area. Although all the temple structures were swept away the Shiva Linga, representing Hindu God Shiva, was found unscathed in its original location.

The temple structure was restored after necessary rituals and offerings. As the river continues to cut off the land and comes closer to the temple location every year, the locals have expressed concern. They have been calling on the concerned authorities to focus on safety measures to preserve the religious and historic site.

The Department of Water Induced Disaster Management (DWIDM) and District Development Committee (DDC) had earlier taken steps to prevent the flooding but it could not be effective.

Safebagar municipality’s Mayor Kul Bahadur Kunwar has vowed to take steps to stop the river from ravaging the historic location.