Cuttack: A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Orissa High Court Thursday seeking immediate repair and renovation of Sarala temple in Jagatsinghpur district.
Social activist Achyutananda Swain has filed the plea and said the prominent Shakti shrine at Kanakpur in Jagatsinghpur’s Tirtol Police limits is lying in a dilapidated condition owing to lack of maintenance. Cracks have developed on many parts of the temple and it may crumble any time.
The petitioner made the law department secretary, state superintendent of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Endowment Commission, culture secretary, tourism secretary and Jagatsinghpur collector as respondents.
The petitioner further stated that devotees in large number from across the state and outside throng the temple every day. As cracks have developed on some parts of the temple, metal clips have been put in those parts to hold it. However, the state government does not pay any attention. No measures are being taken for repair and renovation of the temple, alleged the petitioner.
The indifferent attitude of the government has severely hurt the religious sentiments of the devotees. The petitioner said although he had written to the state superintendent of ASI in this regard, his efforts proved futile.
The petitioner urged the court to pass necessary directions to the parties for immediate repair of the shrine.
