Pune : The long-standing issue of adulterated Bhandara in Jejuri has reached a critical boiling point. Following a dangerous incident at the historic main entrance of the fort, the Food and Drug Administration has finally been forced into action. On Monday night, a specialized team including Food Safety Officers Kranti Baravkar, Razia Sheikh, Laxmikant Sable, and Dr. Sandeep Shinde intercepted a tempo transporting a massive consignment of Bhandara from Belgaum, Karnataka. This sudden crackdown, supported by Police Inspector Deepak Wakchaure, included immediate inspections of several local shops and Bhandara manufacturing units to curb the spread of hazardous materials.
The Gravity of the Situation
Bhandara holds immense spiritual, cultural, and economic significance in Jejuri, yet for the past 14 years, social activists have been fighting against a rising tide of “duplicate” powder. While natural turmeric Bhandara is valued for its medicinal properties, its high cost has led to the widespread sale of cheaper, synthetic alternatives. Despite over a decade of protests, administrative negligence has allowed the use of dangerous “Lali” powder to continue. The recent incident where the Bhandara actually caught fire—a phenomenon never before seen in the temple’s history—has proven that these adulterated substances are not just fake, but are actively flammable and life-threatening.
Immediate Health Risks
The human cost of this adulteration is becoming increasingly evident as more devotees report physical harm. Instead of the healing touch of pure turmeric, the chemical-laden powder being sold is causing severe skin reactions, such as dark patches on the forehead and intense burning of the eyes. These symptoms serve as a direct warning that the substance being thrown during rituals is a toxic chemical mix that poses a significant threat to the thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit the temple, especially during the heavy crowds on Sundays and festival days.
Administrative Action and Demands
The gravity of the recent fire has led to an urgent demand for criminal cases to be filed against those distributing duplicate products. There is a growing consensus that ensuring the purity of Bhandara is not just a government task, but a matter of local identity and pride. Consequently, the local municipality, police administration, and the Temple Trust are being called upon to remain vigilant and take full responsibility. Advocates insist that a transparent testing system must be established for all incoming shipments, ensuring that only quality, health-safe turmeric reaches the hands of devotees to protect the culture and sanctity of the temple.
Official Stance
In response to the crisis, Jaydeep Barbhai, the Municipal President, and Mangesh Ghone, the Temple Trust President, have announced a strict new policy. The local administration intends to implement a total ban on companies producing sub-standard or duplicate turmeric to prevent future injuries. They have emphasized that protecting the ancient traditions and the safety of the public is now the highest priority, and any manufacturer found compromising on quality will face severe legal consequences to prevent a future tragedy.
