In a concerning development, cracks have been discovered in the main entrance of Badrinath temple, known as 'Singh Dwar'.

According to media reports, these cracks were initially observed a few weeks ago but were not made public.

Initially, there were fears that the cracks could be a result of subsidence, as a significant subsidence incident occurred earlier this year in Joshimath, which is only 40km away from Badrinath.

However, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a ground survey and determined that the cracks were caused by rain and other environmental factors.

The repairs of the cracks in the inner wall of 'Singh Dwar' have already begun. The ASI team has replaced the iron clamps holding the stones together with copper clamps.

Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj assured that these cracks are minor and attributed them to the shifting of the earth. He emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored.

'Singh Dwar' is an integral part of the main temple complex and was constructed during the 17th century. It features idols of various deities on both sides of the structure.

Pilgrims who enter through the gate typically spend time worshiping the deities before reaching the sanctum sanctorum.

MPS Bisht, the head of the geology department at HNB Garhwal University in Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal), believes that the cracks in the temple at Badrinath are not connected to the geological situation in Joshimath. He suggests that there must be some local phenomenon causing the cracks.

According to officials from the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the cracks in the temple walls are likely due to accumulated snow and vegetation, which caused water to seep in and rust the iron clamps holding the stones together.

The last renovation of the 'Singh Dwar' was done in the 1990s, and during inspection, dislocated stones and widened gaps were found.

The bulged portions are being locally treated by removing the stones from the wall and replacing the old mortar with fresh mortar to reset the stones.

The repair work has been ongoing for the past week and is expected to continue for a few more weeks. The cracks in the temple are vertical in nature, and if necessary, the old stones will be replaced to prevent further widening.

The ASI has been instructed by the Centre to carry out the repairs promptly, and they are working in coordination with the culture department of the state government.

The estimated cost of the repairs is Rs 5 crore, which has been submitted to the government by the ASI.