Jammu, Oct 15 (JKNS): Panun Kashmir has sought the Lieutenant Governor’s urgent intervention for the restoration, maintenance and preservation of the revered Shri Mata Ragnya Devi Shrine at Kheer Bhawani, Tulmulla, in Ganderbal district, citing concerns over the sacred spring, electrical safety, sanitation and infrastructure.
In a representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the organisation called for immediate corrective measures to safeguard the shrine’s religious sanctity, ensure devotees’ safety and protect the surrounding environment.
The representation follows a visit to the shrine by a Panun Kashmir delegation comprising Kuldeep Raina, General Secretary; Behari Lal Kaul, Organising Secretary; and Biboo Ji Zutshi, Jammu Coordinator. The delegation documented concerns regarding the condition of the sacred spring, the upkeep of the shrine’s outer walls, exposed electrical wiring and the adequacy of sanitation and wastewater management facilities.
According to the representation, the water in the sacred spring appeared murky and stagnant, with visible algae across portions of its surface. Panun Kashmir has called for a scientific assessment to determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate remedial measures. It stressed that any cleaning or restoration should be undertaken by qualified experts in consultation with traditional custodians and priests, while respecting the spring’s religious sanctity and ecological characteristics.
The delegation also observed that the outer walls of the shrine complex appeared stained, discoloured and inadequately maintained. The organisation has sought a technical inspection, followed by necessary cleaning, repairs and restoration.
Expressing particular concern over exposed electrical wires hanging above areas used by devotees, Panun Kashmir urged the authorities to conduct an immediate electrical safety inspection and ensure that hazardous installations are repaired, properly insulated, secured or replaced, as required.
The representation also calls for a comprehensive technical assessment of the shrine’s sewage, drainage and wastewater management systems. The organisation has urged the administration to install a properly designed sewage treatment plant (STP), along with an appropriate wastewater collection and drainage network wherever required, to prevent untreated sewage from contaminating the sacred spring, adjoining water bodies or the surrounding environment.
Panun Kashmir has further sought improvements in sanitation, solid-waste disposal, lighting, pathways, drainage and other essential facilities for pilgrims.
The organisation has requested the Lieutenant Governor to issue directions to the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Division, the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, and other concerned authorities to conduct an official inspection and prepare a time-bound action plan.
It has also sought formal identification of the agency responsible for maintaining the shrine, clearly defined accountability and submission of an action-taken report within a specified timeframe.
Panun Kashmir has advocated a permanent inspection and maintenance mechanism incorporating periodic water-quality testing, preventive maintenance of electrical and sanitation infrastructure, and appropriate consultation with representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Emphasising the shrine’s religious and cultural significance, the organisation stated that Kheer Bhawani remains an enduring spiritual link between the Kashmiri Pandit community and its ancestral homeland despite decades of displacement.
It urged the administration to ensure that the revered shrine is maintained in a condition befitting its religious importance, with due regard for heritage preservation, environmental protection and the safety of devotees.
The representation is accompanied by a report prepared by the visiting delegation and photographs documenting the conditions observed at the shrine. (JKNS)
