The local residents of Badamba area in Cuttack district have expressed their concern after they found rainwater entering the sanctum sanctorum of Singhanatha shrine even after a short spell of rain.
According to sources, the walls and the roof of the shrine have developed cracks. Rainwater is reportedly seeping through these cracks. Despite writing several times to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out necessary repair work at the shrine it has yielded no results, the locals alleged.
Raising concern over the safety and security of the famous Shiva shrine, Badama MLA Bijay Kumar Dalabehara has again written to the local endowment commission office and the ASI.
“All our pleas to carry out necessary repair works have fallen on deaf ears. Despite repeated requests to ASI, no action has been taken. We are disappointed with the stepmotherly attitude of ASI,” said Ratnakara Rana, priest.
Local MLA Dalabehera said, “I have recently visited Shinganatha shrine. As it is under ASI jurisdiction, I have sent a letter to concerned officials and ASI to carry out necessary developmental works including another bridge and fair-weather road to the shrine.”