The temple's existence came to light when local Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), visited the site to assess its condition. They found the structure in a dilapidated state, surrounded by encroachments and filled with debris. Sunil Solanki, a VHP official, submitted a memorandum to the Bulandshahr District Magistrate, requesting the removal of encroachments and the temple's renovation to restore its sanctity and religious significance.
The local Muslim community has expressed support for the temple's restoration. Residents welcomed visitors to the site and offered assistance in the renovation efforts, reflecting a spirit of communal harmony. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Durgesh Singh confirmed that the area has remained peaceful, with no disputes over the temple in the past or present. He noted that the Jatav community, who originally built the temple, left the locality during the riots, reportedly taking the idols with them and immersing them in a nearby river.
This development follows a similar incident in Sambhal district, where an old temple was recently reopened after being abandoned for decades. The rediscovery and planned restoration of these temples highlight ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve religious sites that were neglected due to past communal tensions.
The 1990-91 riots in Khurja were part of a series of communal disturbances in western Uttar Pradesh during that period. These events led to significant demographic shifts, with many Hindu families, including those from the Jatav community, relocating from Muslim-majority areas. The abandonment of the temple in Salma Haqan locality is a direct consequence of these riots.
The VHP's involvement in the temple's restoration is part of a broader initiative to reclaim and renovate Hindu religious sites across Uttar Pradesh. These efforts aim to revive cultural heritage and provide places of worship for local Hindu communities. However, such activities have sometimes been viewed with concern, given the VHP's historical association with Hindu nationalist movements.
Local authorities have assured that the restoration process will be conducted transparently, with respect for all communities involved. SDM Durgesh Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and communal harmony during the renovation. He stated that any necessary actions, such as removing encroachments, would be carried out in accordance with legal procedures and in consultation with local residents.
The rediscovery of the temple has also sparked interest among historians and cultural preservationists. They view the restoration as an opportunity to study and document the architectural styles and cultural practices of the period when the temple was active. This could provide valuable insights into the region's socio-cultural history and contribute to broader preservation efforts.
Community leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities have called for collaborative efforts in the temple's restoration. They believe that joint participation in the renovation can strengthen communal bonds and serve as a testament to the area's pluralistic heritage. Such cooperation is seen as a positive step towards healing the scars left by past communal conflicts.
The restoration project is expected to involve several phases, including clearing debris, structural repairs, and reinstating religious icons. Funding for the renovation is anticipated to come from a combination of community contributions and support from religious organizations. Local artisans and craftsmen may be engaged to ensure that the restoration maintains the temple's original architectural integrity.