GSI: No threat to Badrinath temple

The Geological Survey of India has said that the cracks appearing on the Neelkanth mountains overlooking the Badrinath temple pose no threat...

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has said that the cracks appearing on the Neelkanth mountains overlooking the Badrinath temple pose no threat to the shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas.

GSI Director Dr P C Navani said they have submitted a report to the state Government after field visits and studying the satellite imagery which confirmed the cracks on the Neelkanth but added that such geological movements are common in the Himalayas.

“In snow bound areas, snow getting in the crevasses can sometimes lead to cracks and landslides,” he explained. “However, the Badrinath shrine is safe and there is no danger from the cracks,” he added.

In May, concerns had been raised about the safety of the Badrinath shrine following appearance of some cracks on the Neelkanth mountain overlooking it. The Chamoli district administration had informed the Government, which in turn requested the GSI to study and report on the geological movement.