Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 23: Sambhal District Magistrate, Rajendra Pensia, provided an update on the ongoing excavation and renovation work of pilgrimage sites in the district, revealing significant progress. The authorities have identified 60 Deva Tirthas (sacred sites) and successfully removed encroachments from 44 of them.
the district magistrate said, “As per Sambhal Mahatmya, three Shiv temples are present on the three corners of Sambhal. Between them, there are 87 Deva Tirtha and 5 Maha Tirtha. Till now, we have found 60 Deva Tirtha and removed encroachment from 44 out of them.”
DM Pensia said that all the 60 Deva Tirtha are being renovated and beautified and that the budget for the renovation of sites are being provided under the Vandan Yojana.
“All of them are being renovated and beautified… A DPR (Detailed Project Report) is being prepared to be sent to the government. The work is being done using the budget we are receiving under the Vandan Yojana, the 15th finance commission of the Municipal Council, and the Tourism and Religious Affairs Department,” the district magistrate said.
- Deva Tirtha Excavation and Encroachment Removal: According to Sambhal Mahatmya, there are 87 Deva Tirthas and 5 Maha Tirthas in the region, with three Shiv temples marking the corners of Sambhal. So far, 60 Deva Tirthas have been uncovered, with encroachments cleared from 44 of them.
- Renovation and Beautification Underway: All 60 identified sites are undergoing renovation and beautification. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared to be submitted to the government. The renovation is funded through the Vandan Yojana and contributions from the Municipal Council, the 15th Finance Commission, and the Department of Tourism and Religious Affairs.
- Efforts to Revive Pilgrimage Sites: The district magistrate emphasized the importance of reviving the “Jal Tirtha” (water pilgrimage sites), as the region’s wells are being restored before the monsoon season. Pensia stated that upon completion of the 24 Kosi Parikrama and the beautification of pilgrimage sites, Sambhal would emerge as a prominent destination for both pilgrimage and tourism.
Sambhal Violence Chargesheet Filed by Uttar Pradesh Police SIT: In a related update, the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages in connection with the Sambhal violence that occurred on November 24 during the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries.
Key Developments:
- Investigation Progress: The chargesheet includes details of 159 total accused, with 80 arrests made and 79 individuals still at large.
- International Weapon Link: The SIT’s investigation revealed that the weapons used in the violence were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, shedding light on the scale of the unrest.
The ongoing excavation and renovation efforts aim to restore Sambhal’s historical and spiritual significance, while the legal process continues regarding the violent clashes that occurred in the region.