Darkness Descends on Baba Dham: High Mast Light Fails

A crucial high mast light near the wedding hall in the prominent Jharkhand Dham temple complex, Giridih, has completely stopped functioning, leaving devotees to perform their rituals in darkness. This lighting system was instrumental in bathing the area in a bright, milky illumination every evening and ensuring a safe passage for pilgrims at night. Notably, visitors heading to the impressive fifty-one-foot Hanuman temple situated outside the main Baba temple greatly benefited from this light for an extended period. The consistent illumination provided a sense of security, deterring fear of nocturnal creatures and allowing people to move freely. The light was initially funded through the Member of Parliament’s local area development fund before the previous state assembly elections, fostering expectations of sustained service. However, this sole development initiative associated with the current two-term MP, Annapurna Devi, is now facing disrepair. Numerous complaints have been filed with the relevant authorities regarding the non-operational light, but there has been no positive response or repair work undertaken. Community leaders, including Mukhiya Ashutosh Kushwaha, Panchayat Samiti members Rajesh Verma, Dilip Pandey, Subhash Panda, and Mukhiya Pati Lakshman Mahto, along with others like Ranjit Mandal and Vikas Mandal, are now demanding the swift restoration of the high mast light.