Shrine-goers in a tizzy in Malleswaram

Shrine-goers in a tizzy in Malleswaram
Bangalore, Apr 14, DHNS:

The project to widen the Sankey Road to create a signal-free corridor up to Yeshwanthpur flyover is likely to raze part of a temple in Malleswaram, giving rise to much tongue-clucking and some breast-beating.

Rumours are doing rounds among regular visitors to the Ayyappa temple on the 18th Cross that the temple will be completely demolished. Sources in BBMP, however said they have been asked to align the road, ensuring that at least the sanctum sanctorum of the not-so-old temple is retained. The temple managers have been asked to demolish the wall of the temple.

The project, aiming at least a 30-metre wide road also envisages an overpass using magic boxes, has already caused a lot of flutter among the residents of Sadashivanagar, Vyalikaval and Malleswaram as it will cut down a number of trees lined up on both sides of the road and some private and public buildings including a school to boot.

Dinesh, a resident asked: “When the Saffron government is not sparing temples, will it give a second thought to bring down private properties as well?” Dr Ashwath Narayana, the local MLA, said the temple would not be destroyed completely.

“We are working on saving the sanctum sanctorum. But, of course, a portion of temple would certainly go,” the MLA said. On the fears of the residents about the loss of greenery on Sankey Road, Ashwath Narayana said the ruling BJP is keen on retaining the greenery, but “wants development as well.”