The rejuvenation project plan of Pahari Mandir has hit a hurdle in its final phase. Unstable hillocks of the temple are posing hurdles for BIT Mesra’s architects who are preparing the blueprint for prevention-cum-development plan of the temple in three phases. The first two has already been submitted to Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) a couple of years back but are facing problem with the structure of main temple.
BIT Mesra Head of the Department (HOD) of Architecture Manjri Chakraborty said, “The structural issue of the main temple is very complicated as the hillocks of Pahari Mandir is around 600-900 millions old and are wobbly. We cannot present our proposal in haphazard manner keeping the safety of millions of devotees at stake.”
According to Chakraborty the rocks on which the temple is situated is unbalanced and the plan is to build another temple above main temple which will be double the size of first one. In order to erect a rigid structure it is essential to first construct a reckoning wall around the lord shiva new temple and for this our team is regularly taking the site review. “Temple’s design has been finalized and work on its structural design is in process. We are hopeful that by the end of November will be able to present the final blueprint,” added Chakraborty.
The site will have addition in the form of Vivaah mandap (structure dedicated for weddings), shopping complex, ATM, guard walls, parking space, lift facility for VIP and senior citizens, drinking water facilities and washrooms. The project estimated cost is calculated as Rs12 crore.
Civic work such as tree plantation, rainwater harvesting and guard wall will cost Rs 3 crore and is funded by State Urban Development Department. The department has given Rs 44 lakh to Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) for guard wall, pathways and vital safety needs for pilgrims.
Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti’s one of the founder members Dayashankar Bunty said, “The committee is prepared for the project plan as soon as BIT hands over the blueprint for temple refurbishing work will begin. Right now we have a fund of around Rs 1.65 crore and will be able to arrange the required fund with the donations of the devotees.”