The Uttar Pradesh government has successfully restored and reopened the Gauri Shankar Temple in Moradabad, which had remained closed since the 1980 communal riots. Located in the predominantly Muslim area of Nagfani, the temple has been abandoned for decades. The district administration began restoration work after receiving a complaint from Seva Ram, a local resident whose family had been caretakers of the temple.
Upon investigating, officials uncovered the temple’s inner sanctum, revealing damaged idols of gods. Currently, renovation efforts are ongoing to return the temple to its original state. To ensure safety, law enforcement has been stationed at the site. The reopening follows a consensus from all community members, who agreed on the temple’s restoration.
The temple had been closed after the tragic death of Seva Ram’s grandfather, Ganga Saran, during the riots. The family, along with others, faced threats and eventually moved away, leaving the temple abandoned for years.
The Moradabad District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate have ensured the temple’s reopening is peaceful and respectful of local sentiments. Renovation work continues as the temple prepares to welcome worshippers once again.
