Gadchiroli Feb. 28 (District Correspondent) Pointing out that Markandeshwar Temple in Chamorshi taluka is threatened by excavation at the hill near the temple, Mr. Kashinath Bhadke, retired BDO and social activist has demanded a permanent solution by building a cement concrete wall under the hill in order to avoid future dangers due to the strong water flow in the Wainganga River because of Chichdoho Barrage,
In a statement issued here Mr. Bhadke has said that due to the excessive excavation of the hill near Markandeshwar and a strong water flow of the Chichdoho project being released into the Wainganga River, the hill just in front of the northern bend of the Wainganga is being severely damaged and may pose a threat to the temple in the future. Therefore, a permanent solution is quite necessary by building a strong cement concrete wall under the hill
The holy watercourse Wainganga River, which originates in the Mandup Kunda in Seoni district in the Maikal mountain range of Madhya Pradesh, is flowing continuously. Due to the floods coming to the Wainganga River since 2020, a large amount of water has accumulated in the newly built Chichdoh Barrage and the water level of the Wainganga River has increased. The Irrigation Department is opening 38 gates of this Barrage and releasing the rapid discharge of its water into the Wainganga River, Bhadke has pointed out.
The impact of the strong water released into the Wainganga River is falling on the hill just in front of the Markandadeva North Channel bend. Despite this, for the construction of the canal of Regadi Dam the stones and gravel were excavated from the hills by blasting on a large scale in the year 1973-1974. Also, the officials of the Electricity Department have flattened the hill and constructed a power house on the sensitive hill, Bhadke has further pointed out.
The Markanda Dev Temple is a holy pilgrimage site located on the bend of the north channel of the Waingang River. Due to excessive excavation of the hill on this bend, construction of buildings and the strong flow of water released from the Chichdoh Barrage, the pressure is coming on the hill.
In order to prevent any danger in the future due to the strong water flowing on the hill, permanent measures should be taken to protect the Markanda pilgrimage site and the lives of the people living on the banks of the river, Bhadke has demanded.
