The Pahari Mandir, a significant religious site in Ranchi, is in a precarious state. A technical team, formed by the government, has revealed that the temple’s foundation is being compromised. The team’s assessment indicates that the hill on which the temple stands is no longer suitable for new construction. A member of the technical team, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the team is studying the situation and will submit a report to the state government within six months. The team’s investigation revealed that the soil of the hill has become loose. A major concern is the increasing number of rats burrowing tunnels and hollowing out the temple’s walls, floors, and foundation. These rodents have also damaged the roots of trees in the temple complex. The ongoing construction of a guard wall to prevent soil erosion remains incomplete, leading to further damage during the rainy season. Over the past decade, despite millions spent on the temple’s beautification, the structure has deteriorated, with the removal of a passenger shed in 2016 weakening the main temple’s foundation. The beautification efforts have largely focused on the stairs, which have been renovated multiple times since 1947.
