Locals oppose Manikaran water diversion; MLA confirms alternative

Shimla

The plan to divert water from Manikaran, a sacred site for Hindus and Sikhs, to Kasol for a hot bath facility has sparked opposition from locals. Instead, an alternative solution has been found by digging a hot water spring in Kasol itself.

During a recent Special Area Development Authority (SADA) meeting, officials proposed a nature park in Kasol with a hot bath facility, using water from Manikaran via pipelines. However, locals strongly opposed the move, warning of protests if the holy water was commercialized. They also submitted a petition to Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, urging authorities to reconsider.

The deputy commissioner confirmed that the plan was in its early stages and that the water source had not yet been finalized. BJP leaders and residents argued that even local deities would not approve of transferring Manikaran’s sacred water and insisted that any hot bath facility should be built in Manikaran itself.

Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur stated on Thursday that while there was an initial proposal to use excess water from Manikaran, authorities have now opted for digging hot water springs in Kasol. He emphasized that Manikaran’s holy water should not be commercialized for tourist baths or toilets. Thakur also criticized those opposing development projects, stating they hinder regional progress.