Submerged Temples Of Bilaspur To Be Restored Under The Guidance Of Archaeologist KK Muhammed

Renowned archaeologist Padma Shri KK Muhammed will spearhead the reclamation and restoration of the submerged temples of Bilaspur by Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

As reported by Amar Ujala, the task of relocating the temples will begin in January 2023 and construction giant L&T that has undertaken this task will do so under the guidance of Dr K K Mohammed who also led the legendary restoration of the Bateshwar temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

In the first phase, three out of the five submerged temple - Rangnath, Khaneshwar and Nardehswar - will be lifted and placed in Dholara and a total of Rs 100 crore will be released for the said task.

The complete relocation and restoration is said to be costing a total Rs 1,500 crore and the Sandu Maidan will be developed in the second phase, while in the third a barrage will be constructed to create an artificial lake around the temples.

The temples had been submerged during the creation of the Gobind Sagar lake as a reservoir for the Bhakra Dam, which was lauded as the ‘Modern Temple of Resurgent India’ by the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

The old town of Bilaspur, said to be around 30,000 acres of land, which were home to 28 temples was submerged. Only eight of them are said to remain now, which emerge and are visible as water recede post monsoon each year.

As per reports from earlier this year, "the main temples will be lifted on an artificially created island so that they do not get submerged even when the water level rises and a foot overbridge would also be constructed so that people could visit these temples to offer prayers,” said Bilaspur DC Pankaj Rai had been quoted by The Tribune.

In July, L&T had conducted the first survey to repair the damaged temples.

“The project would not only beautify the old town but also bring alive historical art, culture and tradition. This would also make Bilaspur a new tourist destination,” Rai added, as reported.