Orissa temples to be encrouchment free

In a bid to clear encroachments around all temples in Bhubaneswar, the State Tourism department has decided to conduct a survey and check land records of properties around the temples.

Tourism and Culture Minister, Prafulla Samal, told that in the last 15 years there had been a lot of encroachments causing extensive damage to the ancient structures.

"We have decided to check the land records of such properties to assess the extent of encroachments around all temples. If required we would go for acquisition of lands," he said. “This encroachment blocks drain channels and subsequent water-logging in the temple premises.”

Apart from this, Minister said, a technical committee will be constituted soon to take care of repair and renovation works of all temples under the purview of government.

"Since conservation is not just the work of the Tourism Department, government plans to involve higher officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Revenue, Road and Buildings, and Water Resources department, and have also decided to rope in people associated with the upkeep of these ancient heritage structures, " said Samal.

As per the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, Samal said, the department had also sought help from Archeological Survey of India regarding the conservation of temples and removal of encroachments.

He said these long-term plans are being made under the mega tourism project and Rupees 8 crore had been earmarked. "Funds are not a problem for taking up conservation works at all the heritage sites in the city. We will take them up in a more systematic manner for long-term benefit," he added.