The prominent pilgrimage of Bhadrak, Akhandalmani seems to reel under utter neglect for long. This is so despite couple of directions from the National Human Rights Commission to the authorities to do the needful.
Supreme Court lawyer and activist Radhakanta Tripathy who pioneered the renovation of Shiv Ganga Pond besides the temple, appealed to the apex rights body over lack of basic amenities, safety and security for pilgrims at Akhandalmani. In this regard he filed more than six different cases before the NHRC.
The petitioner stated that due to failure and negligence of Government of Odisha and district administration of Bhadrak, the pilgrims and the residents of Aradi are deprived of basic human rights.
There is filthy environment in and around the village especially near temple premises. The condition of Shiv Ganga Pond available in the village is toxic and unusabl for the locals and outsiders as well.
The condition of temple kitchen wherein prasad is prepared is not good. There is no safe drinking water for the residents. There is no bridges at Tinitara,Muan Ghata, Dhanakania Ghata for which locals as well as outsiders depend upon local boats and cross the rivers in an endangered condition, Tripathy contended.
Tripathy requested the NHRC to investigate the case, direct the Chief Secretary, Odisha and the Secretary, Culture and the Collector, Bhadrak district to completely clean the Shiv Ganga Pond, ensure safe drinking water and hygienic atmosphere in the vicinity of the temple and also in and around the area, besides constructing bridges at three different ghats.