HC Steps In As Illegal Mining Threatens 1,200-Year-Old Temple Site The Supreme Court has intervened to address the threat posed by illegal mining activities near a 1,200-year-old temple site in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. The court highlighted the lack of proper care and protection for the prehistoric archaeological site, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further damage. The temple, believed to date back to the eighth or ninth century during the Rashtrakuta period, is a significant heritage structure that requires immediate conservation efforts. The court’s order came after reviewing reports that detailed the ongoing illegal mining operations in the vicinity of the Bhonda Mahadev temple. The bench noted that such activities are causing substantial harm to the historical site, with large-scale mining threatening its structural integrity. The court directed the Chandrapur collector to personally inspect the mining site and submit a detailed report by April 18. The report must clarify whether any mining permissions were granted and, if not, identify officials responsible for failing to prevent illegal operations. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the collector being required to appear personally before the court on April 20. The Bhonda Mahadev temple, located in Bhatala, is a two-storey structure built from yellow sandstone, standing approximately 50 to 60 feet tall. It features a mandap (hall) and a sanctum containing one of the largest Shiva lingas in the Vidarbha region. The linga, carved from a single block of black stone, measures nearly 10 feet in length and rises about 4 feet from the ground. Locally known as Bhonda Mahadev, the temple lacks a traditional spire, which has led scholars to speculate about its unique architectural design.#supreme_court #chandrapur_district #bhonda_mahadev_temple #rashtrakuta_period #amicus_curiae
