 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 19: A deputation of devotees of Martand Tirath met the worthy Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir UT, Shri Atal Dulloo Ji, and apprised him of the alarming mass mortality of sacred fish in the holy pond at Shri Martand Mattan, District Anantnag.
The deputation conveyed that this unprecedented incident has caused deep anguish among devotees, as the sacred fish form an integral part of longstanding religious beliefs, rituals, and traditions associated with the historic shrine.
Leading the deputation, former President of the Purohit Sabha Martand Tirath improvement and charitable Trust, Shri M. K. Yogi, expressed serious concern and described the situation as epidemic-like, urging immediate scientific investigation and administrative intervention. The deputation also comprised Shri Veer Ji Pandita, Dr. M. K. Bharat, Ashwani Ji and Rahul Tickoo.
The delegation stressed the need for urgent water quality testing, expert fisheries assessment, and continuous monitoring to prevent further loss. It was also pointed out that while the arrival of some officials from the concerned department was welcomed, but the act of entering the holy pond wearing shoes was deeply objectionable and hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. The deputation stated that, among other potential scientific causes, the violation of the sanctity of the sacred pond and Martand Tirath as whole must also be examined with due sensitivity.
The deputation further highlighted the urgency of restoring the pond ahead of the forthcoming Kumbh Mela (Malmass/Adhik Maas) in May-June 2026, during which thousands of devotees are expected to perform sacred rituals linked to the holy pond.
The Hon'ble Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing and assured the deputation that immediate remedial measures would be undertaken to restore the sanctity and ecological health of the holy pond and the Tirath.
Members of the deputation expressed hope that swift government action will safeguard the sacred site, protect aquatic life, and honour the faith and sentiments of the devotees. |
