Uttarkashi: Yamunotri priests and local residents of Yamuna valley have expressed anger and resentment over the delay in restoration of the shrine. Priests have also accused the state and central governments of doling out funds for Kedarnath restoration projects and ignoring the Yamunotri shrine, which was also damaged in flash floods in June.Former secretary of the temple committee Purushotam Uniyal told TOI, “This year’s flash floods majorly destroyed the shrine. The hot spring for women pilgrims, connecting bridge of the temple, the protection wall and the Yamuna river ghats were completely destroyed. Some nearby buildings were also partially damaged. Besides, the river bed got filled with boulders, and can pose a threat to the shrine any time. Yet the government has not started the restoration and repair works.”He added that in contrast, when Kedarnath was ravaged by flash floods in 2013, both the central and state governments made the temple and the Kedarpuri valley their priority. “With the massive funds and the many redevelopment projects, Kedarnath has been transformed in no time. But in the case of Yamunotri, no political party showed any interest. Yamunotri is the holy town of goddess Yamuna, the first among the Char Dham circuits and the centre of faith for thousands of devotees. The government should also take up redevelopment of the shrine on equal priority.”Echoing similar sentiments, priest Pawan Prakash Uniyal said, “Yamunotri being the first shrine in the Char Dham circuit and one of Swatch Iconic Places, the government shouldn’t have neglected it. After going through a lot of hardships, pilgrims visit the shrine for some peace. Instead, they are all returning disheartened. Uttarakhand draws a lot of revenue from the tourism industry and such an attitude will send out a very bad message.”Meanwhile, Uttarkashi district magistrate (DM) Ashish Chauhan said that the administration has started restoring the trek route and places near the shrine. “We have already started the restoration works at the shrine. Electricity, water supply and other basic amenities of the shrine have also been restored. However, the restoration work at the temple needs a massive budget and we have sent a proposal to the state government for the same. The work will be started as soon as we get funds,” the DM said.He added that the administration has also deputed additional rescue forces in the shrine for the safety of pilgrims and local residents.

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