Angry saints in Ayodhya demand restoration of old temples from Yogi govt

The development comes at a time when demand for Ram Temple construction through legislation is gaining momentum in the Parliament.

There are 173 dilapidated properties in Ayodhya, including temples and residential properties. Final notices have been served to them.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Many temples in the ancient city received demolition notices from the AMC as they are extremely unsafe
• The famous 150-year-old Narhan Temple has been issued a notice
• Some priests felt the notices are necessary and such temples should be renovated soon

Notices from Ayodhya Municipal Corporation (AMC) seeking restoration or demolition of more than 170 decrepit properties, including ancient temples, have angered citizens and saints from the ancient city.

The development comes at a time when demand for Ram Temple construction through legislation is gaining momentum in the Parliament.

Several people from the city have asked the government to immediately help in renovation of these unsafe religious sites or temples.

'Extremely unsafe'

Ayodhya Municipal Commissioner RS Gupta, however, said it is necessary to get these properties demolished as they will become extremely unsafe in future.

There are 173 dilapidated properties here including temples and residential. Final notices have been served to them. Some are getting their unsafe properties demolished while many have sought time for renovation, he said.

We got 6 properties demolished after not getting any response from the notices served to them. We will be taking action against all unsafe properties within 15 days. They will be demolished using force but safely, the municipal commissioner added.

The Narhan Temple in Ayodhya, which was built more than 150 years ago, is on of the list that got demolition/restoration notices from AMC.

'This is a religious city’

Speaking to India Today, temple priest Rambahadur Das, said, "A notice has been served to us and major part of the premises is unsafe. However, the government should do something to ensure that renovation of all the ancient temples here is done. This is a religious city and devotees come here in large number only to visit these temples."

Mathura Das, priest of Choti Kutia temple in Ayodhya, said they have received more than 10 notices for restoration or demolition from AMC.

Speaking about the notices, he said, "The notices have been served to all dilapidated properties here and it is true that many structures cannot be renovated without demotion. However, in many temples here, saints cannot afford renovation on their own. Therefore, the government must come forward and help such people."

'Can collapse anytime’

Yadav Panchyati Mandir member Mahant Bhuresharan also sought help from the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government for restoration of temples. His dilapidated temple had collapsed last year in which 2 people were killed.

Head priest of the century-old Betiah Temple, Mahant Girish Das, supported AMC’s decision to serve such notices as some of the temples can collapse anytime.

The notices are being issued because our properties are unsafe and can collapse anytime. People’s lives will be at risk. Therefore, our temple management has decided to get the property renovated. Others should also get it done, he explained.

Meanwhile, top saints from the ancient city also demanded that government should help in restoration of these temples.

Must act quickly

The chief priest of the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mahant Satyendra Das, said, "This place is known only for temples and history. We need to preserve it. Therefore the govt needs to find out a solution for restoration of unsafe temples. The temple seers should themselves approach the govt with this demand."

Mahant Kanhaiya Das, president of Ayodhya Sant Sabha, said, "A temple after being constructed cannot be demolished. We demand that the govt should immediately help renovate such unsafe religious sites. The promise of Ram Mandir construction should also be fulfilled soon."

Commenting on the matter, VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma, asked If the structures made by Mughals can be protected then why can't the temples in Ayodhya be?"

We demand that the govt should take care of these sites. They represent the culture and history of Ayodhya, he added.

Not temples, only residencies

The city’s mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay claimed that misinformation is being spread that temples (dilapidated) will be demolished.

"Misinformation is being spread that unsafe temples in Ayodhya will be demolished. We will in fact be working towards their renovation. Action will only be taken against dilapidated residences which can collapse anytime, he said.

Expressing his view on AMC’s notice, UP cabinet minister Ramapati Shastri, said, "These temples should be renovated. The unsafe structures can fall anytime risking lives of people.