In a press briefing, the DM explained that these pilgrimage spots and wells were mentioned in sacred texts but had been encroached upon over time for different reasons. The district administration took action to uncover these sites, which include Chaturmukh Koop, Ashok Koop, Chatur Sagar, Ekant Tirtha, and Shankh Madhav.
Sambhal, UP: Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya shared that efforts are underway to restore five religious sites that were rediscovered and excavated after an anti-encroachment drive. Various encroachments previously obstructed these sites, but they are now being restored to reclaim their sacred significance.
In a press briefing, the DM explained that these pilgrimage spots and wells were mentioned in sacred texts but had been encroached upon over time for different reasons. The district administration took action to uncover these sites, which include Chaturmukh Koop, Ashok Koop, Chatur Sagar, Ekant Tirtha, and Shankh Madhav.
“These places were traditionally ponds where religious activities such as bathing and worship took place,” the DM said, highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of these locations.
One of the key sites being restored is Ekant Tirtha, where efforts will be made to restore the area under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). The DM further clarified that rural areas will see the development of these sites through MNREGA and Gram Nidhi, while urban areas will be developed under various government schemes and the nagar palika (municipality).
“Work is currently underway at the Chaturmukh well, and improvements will soon be made to the Ashok well,” the DM stated.
The district administration’s plans also include renovations to the remaining sites, such as Chatur Sagar, Ekant Tirtha, and Shankh Madhav, in the coming months.
“These efforts are part of a broader initiative to transform Sambhal into a tourist hub, which would provide the city with a fresh identity and attract visitors from across the region,” said the DM, emphasizing the long-term objective of these renovations.
The rediscovery of these sites was part of a larger anti-encroachment drive launched by the district administration in December, following violent clashes that erupted during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The violence, which occurred on November 24 last year, led to the deaths of four people and injuries to several others.
Amid this, the Committee of Management of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal approached the Supreme Court, seeking to maintain the status quo regarding a private well located near the mosque’s entrance. They requested that the District Magistrate be directed to prevent any investigation or use of the well without court permission.
In their application, the committee noted, “The District Administration, Sambhal is conducting a purported drive to revive old temples and wells in the city, with reports indicating that at least 32 old unused temples have been revived and 19 wells have been identified which are being made operational for public prayers/use.”
The committee raised concerns about the administration’s actions, highlighting that posters around Sambhal have misrepresented the mosque as a temple.
They also stated, “The petitioner urges the top court to direct the District Administration to not disturb the status quo as prevailing with regard to the private well of the mosque and not to open the same to Hindu prayers.”
Tensions in Sambhal have escalated following a local court’s order to survey the mosque. The survey was based on claims that the mosque site was once a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, leading to clashes between locals and police. The survey and subsequent violence resulted in fatalities, further intensifying the situation.
The dispute centers around the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, where tensions have risen due to the well located outside the mosque. The mosque committee maintains that the well is crucial to the mosque’s property and has been used by the Muslim community for religious activities like wuzu (ablution) for years. They argue that any attempt by the authorities to inspect or alter the well could harm communal harmony and hurt religious sentiments.
