Pilgrims Voice Frustration Over Neglected Matinagar Road to Bhuban Hills Shiva Temple
As lakhs of devotees converged upon the revered 17th-century Shiva temple perched atop the 3,000-foot Bhuban Hills in Cachar district for the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, a significant number raised urgent alarms regarding the deplorable state of one of the primary access routes to the sacred site.
Years of Neglect on Key Pilgrimage Path
Visitors and pilgrims have highlighted that the crucial approach stretch originating from Matinagar has remained in a severely dilapidated condition for multiple years, with minimal visible progress in essential repair or developmental initiatives. This persistent neglect has resulted in considerable hardship for the multitude of devotees undertaking the challenging annual pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine.
Many attendees alleged that no substantial restoration or safety enhancement work was executed in preparation for the large-scale Maha Shivaratri Mela, despite the predictable influx of thousands. The road's condition is reportedly so poor that it remains entirely unsuitable for any form of vehicular traffic, forcing all pilgrims to complete the journey on foot.
A Tale of Two Routes: Development Disparity
The historic Bhuban Hills temple is primarily accessed via two main approach paths: one from Matinagar and the other from Krishnapur. Pilgrims provided a stark comparison, noting that approximately 60% of the Krishnapur stretch has been developed with concrete blocks, offering pilgrims a relatively smoother and more reliable connectivity option.
In sharp contrast, the Matinagar route continues to suffer from apparent administrative neglect. The temple itself is reached by a demanding 17-kilometer uphill trek from the nearest motorable point at the foothills, a physical challenge willingly undertaken by thousands annually as an act of devotion.
Pilgrim Perspectives on the Challenging Trek
Sujan Deb Roy, a pilgrim hailing from Sribhumi, shared detailed insights into the two routes. He described the Matinagar path as particularly strenuous but noted it winds through lush, shaded forest areas, providing some relief from the elements. "The Krishnapur route is in comparatively better condition overall," Deb Roy stated, "but the total distance is longer, and most of that stretch is exposed, with very little protective forest cover for pilgrims."
He further emphasized a critical safety issue: "If rainfall occurs, the Matinagar route turns extremely slippery and becomes genuinely risky for all pilgrims, especially those trekking to and from the Matinagar starting point. Proper infrastructure is a matter of safety, not just convenience."
Calls for Urgent Action from Authorities
In light of these persistent problems, devotees are collectively urging local and regional authorities to prioritize urgent repairs and ensure the establishment of proper, safe infrastructure before the next major religious mela or festival season. The appeal underscores a need for proactive planning to safeguard the well-being of the large pilgrim populations that undertake this spiritually significant but physically demanding journey each year.
