Deoghar district administration is all set to package and market holy water flowing out of Baidyanathdham temple after proper filtration and purification. Instructions in this regard has been given by Manjunath Bhajantri, Deoghar Deputy Commissioner during today’s meeting. The officials were inspecting the temple with regards to safety and security measures being taken inside the temple.

He also discussed the possibility of integrating more women in the production unit of incense sticks, which are made from Belpatra and flowers used in the temple.

Talking to media after the meeting, he said, “The neer (holy water) water flowing through 22 temples situated in Baidyanathdham temple complex flows into the drains and gets wasted. But now it will be stocked in the Mansarovar lake situated next to the temple after being filtered.”

He mentioned about the holy water being effectively branded and marketed across the globe.

Besides ensuring the availability of water for the devotees, this will prevent wastage of thousands of litres of water.

Notably, several tonnes of Belpatra and flowers used in the temple are already being recycled since 2018 to prepare compost after the installation of solid waste management machines by the Power Grid Corporation of India.

Bhajantri used the opportunity to make a public appeal of abstaining from using single-use plastic bags and thermocol to ensure that the temple premise remains clean and green.

Alok Mallik, newly elected President of Santhal Pargana Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “We welcome the district administration’s initiative. We are ready to extend our support to the water filtration project, if the officials are ready to discuss things with us.”

Sanjay Mishra, Senior Vice President of Shrine Board titled, Panda Dharmrakshni Sabha said, “The proposal is indeed good. We can understand the water harvesting and filtration part of the project, however, we are not convinced with the proposal for marketing the holy water. We would prefer this water to be distributed to all, even those who can't pay for it. We have a history of not charging for the neer.