According to recent research by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the world's highest Lord Shiva temple, Tungnath Temple, which is situated at an elevation of 12,800 feet in the Rudraprayag area of the Garhwal Himalayas, is tilting by five to six degrees. The lesser constructions within the complex of temples, however, have been tipped by 10 degrees.
The central government has been informed of the temple's predicament and that it should be listed as a protected monument, states ASI authorities.
Subsidence has not been completely disregarded by ASI. The damaged foundation stone would only be replaced, according to the officials, if necessary and only after consulting with experts.
“First, we will find the root cause of the damage in case it can be repaired immediately. Besides, a detailed work program will be prepared after a thorough inspection of the shrine”, said Manoj Kumar Saxena, superintending archaeologist of ASI's Dehradun circle.
An official said in a statement that the government has initiated “the process of declaring it as a monument of national importance and issued a notification seeking objections from the public as a matter of procedure.”
He further added, “A letter has also been sent to BKTC in this regard. However, we are yet to receive a response.” The Tungnath Temple falls under the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) administration.
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