Forest Dept suspends user charges at Churdhar Temple

Responding to widespread opposition and growing public sentiment, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (Wildlife Wing) has suspended its earlier order imposing user charges on pilgrims visiting the sacred Churdhar Temple, located within the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The suspension order issued today by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Shimla Wildlife Division, says that the department’s previous directive issued on April 2 this year regarding the imposition of user charges is now held in abeyance. The Forest Department took this step following strong resistance from social and religious organisations, local residents and concerned citizens who viewed the move as a hindrance to religious access.

The decision to introduce user charges was originally intended to address environmental concerns, improve sanitation and enhance facilities within the sanctuary. However, it sparked widespread opposition due to its perceived impact on religious pilgrims visiting the Churdhar Temple, a revered site of spiritual importance in the region.

The matter escalated to the national level, with a petition submitted to the President demanding immediate rollback of the fee. The issue was also prominently raised by The Tribune, which highlighted public apprehensions and brought the matter to wider attention, prompting authorities to reconsider the policy.

In a significant show of support for the reversal, Bhagmal Nanta, president of the Chureshwar Seva Samiti, and other members of the samiti welcomed the department’s decision. “This is a victory for the faith of thousands of devotees. Imposing a charge on visiting a holy site was never acceptable. We thank the authorities for understanding the sentiments of the people,” he said.

Swami Kamlananda, Swami Virendrananda of Sharda Monestry Churdhar and Pt. Deep Ram Sharma, Satypal Sharma, Sandeep Shastri, Sant Ram Sharma, Kewal Ram Sharma, the priests of the historic Churdhar Temple, along with other members of the Churdhar Temple Committee also lauded the move. “Faith should never be taxed. The temple belongs to the devotees, and the decision to suspend the fee shows respect for our traditions and spiritual values. We appreciate the administration for taking the right step,” they said.

The Forest Department has now committed to developing a comprehensive model that considers exemptions for religious pilgrims and ensures a fair and transparent charging mechanism for other visitors. Until such a framework is in place, the earlier order on fee collection shall remain suspended

The directive has been circulated to the Range Forest Officer of Nohradhar Wildlife Range, and members of the Eco-development Committee, Churdhar, for immediate compliance and necessary action.

Himachal Tribune