Kedarnath head priest seeks ASI's guidance for repair of shrine complex

The head priest of the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand, Pandit Bhimashankar Ling Shivacharya Maharaj, has sought the Archaeological Survey of India's guidance for the further repair and reconstruction of the temple complex that was devastated by recent flash floods.

Ecologists blamed reckless construction on the bank of River Ganga and its tributaries for this calamity in Kedarnath region, one of the worst affected areas.

"We hope that the renovation and new construction will take place after consultations with the Archaeological Department and its permission in future so that such destruction will not take place in the state," Pandit Bhimashankar Ling Shivacharya Maharaj told media here.

He also urged the Karnataka Government and other devotees from the state to help in reconstruction efforts.

"We hope that the Karnataka Government will play an active in the reconstruction because I have been in contact with the concerned authorities and interested people here," he added.

Houses and small apartment blocks on the banks of the Ganges, India's longest river and sacred to Hindus, toppled into the rushing, swollen waters and been swept away with cars and trucks.