In a significant move towards communal harmony, the Uttar Pradesh government has reopened the Gauri Shankar Temple in Moradabad, a Hindu temple located in the predominantly Muslim area of Nagfani. The temple, believed to be over a century old, had been closed since 1980 due to communal riots that affected the city.
The restoration of the temple was initiated after a local resident, Seva Ram, whose family had served as priests of the temple, filed a complaint with the authorities. Ram reported that his family had been forced to leave the area following threats, and the temple had been abandoned after the death of his grandfather, Ganga Saran, during the riots.
Upon investigation by the Moradabad District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, a consensus was reached among members of all communities to reopen the temple. During restoration work, the temple’s inner sanctum was uncovered, revealing broken idols and Shiva Parivar statues. Efforts are now underway to renovate and restore the temple to its original state.
In response to potential security concerns, law enforcement has been deployed at the site. The restoration of the Gauri Shankar Temple marks a significant step towards revitalizing places of cultural and religious importance, while also promoting communal peace in the region.
The temple reopening also highlights the efforts by local authorities to address issues of land encroachment and preserve cultural heritage, ensuring the temple’s protection for future generations.
