Purmandal, a place of immense religious and mythological significance for Hindus, has sadly been subject to neglect from both official and political channels. Consequently, it has not gained the recognition it deserves as a prominent pilgrimage tourism destination in the Jammu region. Often referred to as ‘Chhota Kashi,’ Purmandal village holds great importance as Hindu pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy Devika River, also known as ‘Gupt Ganga,’ to purify their souls. However, the current state of this ancient pilgrimage site is disheartening. The revered temple complex has been reduced to a shelter for cattle, and the entire area is marred by excrement, even on the sacred sands of the Devika River.
The religious and historical importance of Gupt Ganga has regrettably faded into obscurity, resulting in its unfortunate neglect. The primary Purmandal region has transformed into a distressing sight where human bodies are cremated and urban waste is openly and indiscriminately incinerated. As a consequence, the cleanliness and overall state of the area have significantly deteriorated. Compounding these issues is the absence of a proper sewage treatment system and drainage network. Currently, all waste from the surroundings is discharged directly into the Devika River, a sacred subterranean river that has served as a focal point for religious rituals for centuries.
Purmandal and Utterbehni are revered pilgrimage centres that have been neglected for years. However, there was a glimmer of hope when the Union Minister of State for Tourism visited the shrines in 2019 and promised their revamp under the PRASAD scheme. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of Purmandal-Utterbehni was submitted to the Ministry of Tourism in January 2020, estimating a cost of around fifty crores of rupees. However, the Ministry has not given its approval yet, for reasons better known to the Tourism Department of UT. The DPR includes various components of tourist infrastructure for both sites, such as footbridges, signage, tourist information kiosks, parking facilities, restoration of temples and havelis, landscaping, and illumination. These developments can enhance the visitor experience and preserve the cultural heritage of the area. But approval and funding for the project are still pending, leaving the fate of the proposed development works at Purmandal and Utterbehni uncertain.
With so many historical temples of great significance at stake, a joint effort by the Department of Archives and an NGO recently conducted an assessment survey of Purmandal, aiming to designate it, along with other neglected structures, as a protected heritage site. The primary objective is to restore Purmandal to its ancient grandeur and ensure its preservation against erosion and human-made damage. This initiative has become crucial as numerous neglected and dilapidated structures and monuments in the area are on the verge of disappearing forever.
Despite being allocated a substantial budget of over seven hundred crores, the Tourism Department has been unsuccessful in making significant progress at Purmandal. Their efforts have been limited to mere empty promises and assurances. However, it is essential for the administration to proactively engage with the Union Ministry and ensure that the DPR adheres to the Ministry’s guidelines and secures the required funding. Without these actions, Purmandal and Utterbehni will continue to deteriorate, remaining in their dilapidated state.
Despite the visit of the Minister of State and Lieutenant Governor, as well as the efforts of the Department of Archaeology and numerous individuals, it is evident that something is fundamentally amiss, as no tangible progress has been achieved thus far. The lack of results raises concerns and calls for a re-evaluation of the situation. It is of utmost importance to find a viable solution as the clock is ticking for these invaluable heritage sites. Higher authorities must pay attention to the current situation and take appropriate actions. The urgency of the matter necessitates proactive steps to restore and preserve the historical and religious significance of Purmandal and Utterbehni.
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