Emergency Shield for 1100-Year-Old Temple Threatened by River Erosion
Authorities launch emergency measures to protect the 1100-year-old Baba Narayan Das temple from Ghaghara river erosion in Barabanki.
A race against time is underway in Barabanki as the local administration launches emergency protection measures to save the historic Baba Narayan Das temple. The ancient structure, which boasts a legacy of 1100 years, faces an imminent threat from the relentless soil erosion caused by the Ghaghara (Saryu) river.
With the river's water levels surging past the danger mark, the stability of the temple in Hetmapur, located within the Ramnagar tehsil, has been severely compromised. The continuous washing away of land by the rising waters has forced authorities to step in before the heritage site is lost to the river forever.
Urgent Engineering Measures Underway
To combat the encroaching waters, the flood control division has mobilized specialized crews to stabilize the temple's foundation. Under the direct supervision of Flood Division Officer Shashikant Singh, a strategic defense system is being constructed at the erosion site. The technical approach includes:
- Iron Mesh Cages: Large metal cages are being positioned along the vulnerable banks.
- Stone and Brick Reinforcement: These cages are being filled with sacks containing stones and bricks, all encased in heavy-duty plastic packets to prevent water seepage.
- Flow Diversion: The primary goal of this massive undertaking is to stabilize the ground beneath the temple and effectively divert the river's current away from the historical structure.
A Trail of Destruction
The current crisis is not an isolated incident for the local community. Residents have shared harrowing accounts of how the river has historically claimed significant landmarks and livelihoods. The erosion has previously swallowed a 300-year-old samadhi and a 150-year-old mosque, leaving a void in the area's cultural fabric.
The human cost of the river's fury is equally devastating. Beyond the religious sites, more than two dozen houses belonging to local villagers have already collapsed into the river, leaving many families in a state of extreme distress and uncertainty.
High-Level Inspection and Oversight
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a high-level delegation of officials conducted a site inspection to oversee the rescue and protection operations. The inspection team included:
- Ishan Pratap Singh (District Magistrate)
- Nirankar Singh (Additional District Magistrate)
- Shashikant Singh (Flood Division Officer)
- Akanksha Gupta (SDM)
- Vipul Singh (Tehsildar)
Adding to the momentum of the relief efforts, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Angad Singh also visited the affected area. After reviewing the ongoing protective works, he issued strict directives to the officials to expedite the construction, emphasizing that the safety of the ancient temple must be ensured without delay.