Conservationists have demanded that the Government must not demolish the iconic Ganesh Temple near the Lingaraj Temple here.
The small temple dates back to the 11th Century, contemporary to the Lingaraj Temple. It was originally one of the subsidiary temples and was inside the complex before the wall was built in later years. It has been listed as a protected monument years ago and is one of the smallest Ganesh temples of the Old City.
Presently inside the premises of the BM High School, the small temple is seven feet in height and a five-tiered Pidha Deula of the Kalingan order.
The administration has dug up the area near the temple and has made a small pedestal inside the verandah of the school for installing the idol. A few rooms of the school too have been demolished. After the idol is removed, the entire temple along with the Navagraha panel will be razed to the ground. This will happen in the next few days.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation Disaster Management exercise, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said,“ Heritage sites not only represent our cultural identity, but are also a driving force for our economy. They must be preserved for future generation at any cost.”
It is surprising that the temple, which was preserved years ago will now be demolished. It can be left alone, standing in the middle of the corridor without causing any hindrance, said activist Anil Dhir of INTACH, adding, "The Archeological Survey of India should put a stop to such activity.”
State Convener of INTACH AB Tripathy is of the opinion that if the removal of the temple is imminent, then it should be handed over to a proper agency and relocated to another place.