DEHRADUN: In light of the recent controversy over the proposed construction of a replica of Kedarnath temple in Delhi, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s cabinet on Thursday decided to introduce a stringent law to prevent the ‘misuse‘ of names of Char Dham shrines and other prominent temples of Uttarakhand, reports Kautilya Singh. The law aims to ensure that organisations and trusts managing these temples do not use the name of the committee operating the leading temple of Uttarakhand, “as it may cause confusion among the public.”
“It has been observed that some individuals or organisations are using the names of Char Dham temples – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath – and other prominent temples in Uttarakhand.The use of identical or similar names leads to confusion, anger among locals, and hurts religious sentiments. The proposed law will ensure people managing such temples do not misuse the names of Char Dham shrines or other prominent temples,” said Shailesh Bagauli, secretary to the CM.
The controversy arose when Dhami laid the foundation stone for a Kedarnath temple in Delhi on July 10. The temple is being constructed by Shri Kedarnath Dham Delhi Trust on a three-acre plot.