HP minister’s campaign trail left painted slogans

As one passes Hanogi Devi Temple on the National Highway leading to Manali, rocks can be seen with the slogan, ‘Vote for Thakur Kaul Singh’. Interestingly, Thakur Kaul Singh of the Congress is now the HP Minister for Irrigation and Public Health.

Though the painters have used limestone and colours, the damage caused is still irreparable. Assistant Conservator Vinod Tiwari who is involved in the the restoration process says: ‘‘The important question is not what is being used to write on the rocks but that it would inspire others to do so.’’

Speaking to The Indian Express, the minister said it was the handiwork of his party workers but then sought to rationalise. ‘‘It is there throughout Himachal Pradesh,’’ he added.

When his attention was drawn to the Supreme Court ruling on defacement of rocks, he said: ‘‘Workers are hardly aware of these things. I will provide every help to restore the rocks.’’

These rocks apart, the restoration team has found more evidence. When the team came in November last year, it had found 237 paint-damaged rocks. After they restarted work in March, the number increased to 312. But the team is far from identifying the 395 painted rocks, listed by the Central Empowerment Committee. It has, however, managed to clean about 200 rocks.

‘‘The weather this time was favourable to some extent though at times it was very unpredictable. We have succeeded in the accessible areas of Kalath, Aloo Mandi, Shivaling Point, Baveli, Bandrol, Raison and Patli Kulh,’’ says Tiwari.

He adds that they have identified a few new rocks in Prini and Aleo areas. The team will now climb to Rohtang as the road leading to the pass has opened.

They are short of time as it would become difficult for them to work on these rocks once the rains arrive. ‘‘It will be very difficult to approach the rocks located at the peaks and we have to seek the help of local climbers who can help clean them as following our instructions,’’ says Tiwari.