Portion of 100-year-old Hindu temple collapses in Narowal after heavy rain, Govt assures restoration

A more than 100-year-old Hindu temple in Siraj Village, Narowal district, suffered partial structural damage following heavy rainfall

LAHORE: A more than 100-year-old Hindu temple in Siraj Village, Narowal district, suffered partial structural damage following heavy rainfall on August 21, 2026, officials have confirmed.

The incident attracted attention after reports about the temple were published by national media. The Punjab government has subsequently issued a clarification regarding the extent of the damage and claims concerning the ownership and lease of land surrounding the place of worship.

Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora visited the temple after the incident to inspect the site and assess the situation.

According to government officials, the minister’s inspection established that the damage was limited to a portion of the temple structure. They clarified that the entire temple building had not collapsed, contrary to some descriptions circulating in reports.

Officials said a section of the temple, including part of its roof and structure/sign, was affected by the torrential rainfall. The provincial government has assured the local Hindu community that the damaged portion will be restored.

The government said relevant authorities would coordinate the repair and restoration process while assessing the condition of the remaining structure.

The Punjab government also addressed reports concerning the land surrounding the temple.

Officials clarified that the temple’s own land had never been leased to any individual or institution. However, the adjoining land was reportedly leased to a seminary.

“The adjoining land had been leased to a seminary, but the temple’s own land had never been leased to anyone,” officials stated.

The clarification was issued amid concerns that reports about the land arrangement could create confusion regarding the legal status of the temple property.

The provincial government also stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting, particularly when dealing with religious sites and issues involving minority communities.

According to the government statement, allegations and claims can be reported by the media, but they should be clearly distinguished from verified facts.

Officials emphasised that greater care is required when reporting matters involving places of worship because inaccurate or unverified information can potentially create tensions between communities.

The government warned that once a narrative involving alleged religious persecution gains widespread public attention, the consequences for communal harmony, Pakistan’s international image and public confidence may be difficult to reverse.

The temple in Siraj Village is regarded as a historic Hindu place of worship in Narowal district and is believed to be more than a century old.

Members of the local Hindu community have welcomed the government’s assurance that the damaged portion of the temple will be repaired. The community is expected to remain in contact with the authorities regarding restoration work and the preservation of the historic site.

The district administration, Evacuee Trust Property Board and the provincial minorities department are coordinating efforts to determine the complete extent of the damage and initiate necessary repair work.

Officials said the condition of the structure would be assessed before restoration activities begin to ensure that the damaged section is repaired appropriately.

Meanwhile, *Minute Mirror* has contacted local Hindu community representatives and leaders for their views on the incident and the government’s restoration assurance. Their response is awaited.