No threat to Badrinath Temple from Neelkanth Mountain

Several pilgrims who had visited the Badrinath Temple this year had reported about cracks on Neelkanth Mountain overlooking the temple. A team of scientists from Geological Survey of India and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology that visited the temple has ruled out any danger to the Badrinath Temple from the cracks. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

The scientists are planning to conduct and aerial survey when the climate permits to ascertain the exact cause of the cracks.

Hindustan Times reports

"Although the team was unable to conduct an aerial survey due to inclement weather, they were able to see some cracks on the mountain through their binoculars," said Dr. PC Nawani, Director, Geological Survey of India.

He added that although the exact nature of the cracks can be determined after a proper aerial survey, there is no immediate threat of avalanches damaging the popular shrine or the Badrinath township.

"Preliminary observation suggests that due to the distance of the cracks from the temple and the condition of the slope on Neelkanth, they pose no danger to Badrinath temple and surrounding areas," said Nawani.