Bhubaneswar: In order to put an end to fast spreading concrete structures around Rajarani temple in Old Town of Odisha capital, the National Monument Authority (NMA) has refused to give permission to new constructions within the prohibited zone of the monument.
The NMA had recently received an application seeking permission for construction of multi-storey building within the regulated area from a resident of Hatasahi in Old Town. Citing threat to structural stability of the temple, the Authority said no new constructions beyond the height of 7.5 metre can be allowed close to the temple, according to a TNIE report.
While several constructions have come up around the 11th century temple in violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, the NMA continues to get applications for new constructions within 100 metre of the Centrally-protected monument.
The temple lies in a densely populated area close to the NH-203. Expressing concern over the fact that the 59-feet temple is hardly visible from prohibited area due to modern constructions, the NMA had stated that the regulated area is vulnerable towards development and other related activities.
Earlier this year, the NMA had released draft bylaws for the temple. But those are yet to be placed before the Parliament for approval.
It may be noted that there are two more Centrally-protected monuments – Mukteswar temple and Siddheshwar temple – and one state protected monument – Kedar Gauri – within the regulated area of Rajarani temple.
