Tawang monastery threatened by landslides

Unusual landslides have threatened the existence of the world famous Tawang Monastery in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China.

Unprecedented heavy rainfall continues to trigger 4-5 metre landslides around the monastery for the past several days causing concern for the district administration, official sources said today.

State chief secretary Yeshi Tsering, along with Tawang deputy commissioner Kemo Lollen visited the landslide affected areas near Tawang Monastery on Saturday to take stock of the situation.

The deputy commissioner informed the chief secretary about the completion of drainage system for proper disposal of the sewage water of the monastery.

Tsering expressed concern about the unusual landslide which could also obliterate the very existence of the monastery.

The team later visited Kangteng Nala, 9 km from Tawang, the area where the landslide culminates, bringing with it huge boulders and mud.

The chief secretary stressed on initiating a multi-pronged and multi-disciplinary action to protect the age-old monument. He said that a high level technical committee would be constituted to study the problem of the site.

The Tawang Monastery was built in 1681. It is a witness to the history of the area since the last 400 years. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India and attracts a large number of visitors every year.

The monastery is also an important centre for Buddhist learning and cultural studies.

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