From Al Jazeera
Construction of overpass and skyscraper threatens structure of ancient temple in Karachi.
Pakistani Hindus and human rights activists are calling on authorities in Karachi to halt the construction of an overpass, which they argue threatens the foundation of a 150-year-old Hindu temple. Activists say the overpass construction, metres away from the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, is creating vibrations that could severely damage the building’s structure.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani took action on the issue by ordering an environmental impact report from the government to be submitted within two weeks. The overpass is financed by Bahria Town, a real estate developer that wants the road to link to a skyscraper it is building a few hundred metres away.Arguing for the temple’s protection, the Pakistan Hindu Council says the skyscraper is being built on “evacuee property”, or land abandoned by Hindus during India’s partition. Under law, such property is supposed to be protected from development.
According to the Pakistan Hindu Council, around 25,000 pilgrims visit the temple during annual religious celebrations. The Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is also part of a popular recreation spot.
The Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple’s official Facebook page shared historic images from their festival.
