Temple Trouble: Wedding Ceremony Sparks Wildlife Controversy
Uttarakhand Social Welfare Minister relocated his son's reception from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve to adhere to forest department objections. A forest crime case emerged after the Sureshwari Devi Temple Committee permitted extensive preparations without required permissions. The wedding proceeded modestly at a new venue following the dispute.
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In a bid to protect a critical wildlife corridor, Uttarakhand Social Welfare Minister Khajan Dass moved his son's wedding reception from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. This decision followed objections raised by the Forest Department over large-scale preparations within the protected area.
The department filed a forest crime case against the Sureshwari Devi Temple Committee for organizing a major event without necessary approvals. The temple is situated in a vital elephant and leopard corridor within the Ranipur forest block. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ranjan Kumar Mishra confirmed the event's relocation following the minister's cooperation.
Minister Dass expressed long-term faith in the temple's significance but complied with authorities, transitioning the ceremony to Rishikesh. A case under the Wildlife Protection Act was lodged against temple officials while inquiries into logistics breaches continue.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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