Ruins of historical temple at village Baili in Udhampur district.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 24: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Co-Convener Anil Paba of the Udhampur Sub-Chapter of Jammu Chapter has expressed serious concern over the alleged destruction of an ancient 9th Century temple situated in village Baili, Panchayat Debrah, in Udhampur district, which has reportedly been reduced to debris by some locals.

Mr Paba stated that he had discovered the historical temple site in 1994 and continuously highlighted its significance through reports published in Daily Excelsior newspaper since 2001. He further said that he had repeatedly approached the Archaeological Survey of India as well as the district administration for the restoration and protection of the monument, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
According to Paba, even the finely chiselled stones of the temple have allegedly been taken away by locals for domestic use, causing irreparable damage to the heritage structure.
He appealed to the concerned authorities and the district administration to immediately look into the matter, stop further destruction, and demarcate the temple land to ensure the protection and preservation of the ancient heritage site.