BAGESHWAR: Authorities have demolished an illegal structure built near Devi Kund, a sacred glacial lake within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, after a two-day trek through hazardous terrain, officials said on Monday.
The structure, built by self-styled godman Baba Chaitanya Akash earlier this year, had sparked outrage due to its location in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
A 17-member district administration and police team began their trek to the spot, at an altitude of 16,000 feet, on Thursday and arrived at the upper reaches of the Sunderdhunga glacier on Saturday.
They found the structure empty and demolished it the same day. Kapkot SDM Anurag Arya said, “We cannot allow any illegal activity in this ecologically sensitive zone. Strict legal measures will be enforced if this baba or anyone else tries to repeat such actions.”
The illegal encroachment first came to light in July when photos of the baba bathing in Devi Kund surfaced on social media. Locals raised objections to his presence and the construction in the protected area, pushing for administrative action.
This was the administration’s second attempt to demolish the structure as heavy rains and treacherous conditions along the trek route hindered earlier efforts.
Residents, however, remain concerned that the baba may return to the area, as some reported seeing him nearby shortly before the demolition team arrived.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is strictly regulated, and any unauthorised construction is prohibited to protect its fragile ecosystem.
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