It is high time restoration work be undertaken in earnest
LAHORE: A few weeks ago, news about the Katas Raj temple in Chakwal district of Punjab’s sacred pond drying up went viral. Social media enthusiasts and a few activists tried to bring the issue to the notice of the authorities concerned. However, it didn’t stir up enough reaction for the authorities to speak about the issue let alone consider taking effective changes for it.
For the religious minority the fabled pond holds sacred significance. According to Hindu mythology, it was formed by the tears of Shiva, who wept uncontrollably over the loss of his wife Sati. Hindus from different countries also visit the historical temple. But over the past few years, the water in the pond around the temple has been slowly drying up. Locals believe the cement plants in the vicinity are to blame for it. The bores drilled for them are draining the water table in the area.
At the start of the year, promises to restore the 1,500-year-old national heritage were made but they are yet to see the light of the day. It is high time restoration work be undertaken in earnest. It isn’t only about facilitating the minority group it belongs to, although that should be a major reason driving it, but it is also about saving our national heritage.
Shazia Tasneem
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2017.
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