Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SS)

Bantwal, May 18: The 1,000-year-old Karinjeshwara Temple in Karanji Betta here is in danger of getting dilapidated due to the impending monsoon. The hill has gravel mud and it is feared that landslides would happen if the region gets rainfall.

Also, stone mining is continuing unabated in the temple region which is causing danger to the temple's structure as stones roll off the hillock due to the rainfall resulting in likely damage to the temple.

Last year, a portion of the temple structure got affected due to the erosion of stones from the hilltop.

The temple which has a history of 1,000 years attracts thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka. But, due to illegal quarrying and mining activity the temple structure is in danger. There are cracks in the boulders of the hill which is also cause for worry.

A new campaign to save the hill has been started as various Hindu organisations have given representations and warnings to people's representatives and officials.

The district administration has failed to take action against illegal mining activity that is going on in the region.

Hindu Jagrana Vedike leader Narasimha Shetty Mani has warned the district administration of an agitation against quarrying and illegal mining in the area.