VHP warns of protests as SMC sends demolition notices to 13 Surat temples
The notice also mentioned that the step was taken following an order of the Gujarat High Court.
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Surat VHP unit has approached District Collector Sourabh Pardhi against the demolition move. (File Photo)The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has asked at least 13 temples to demolish the religious structures that were obstructing roads and creating traffic in the city. Questioning the civic body’s move, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has warned of protests across the city.
The notices for self-demolition of the 13 temples were issued after a recent SMC survey revealed roadside temples at various places were a hindrance to the traffic. The notice also mentioned that the step was taken following an order of the Gujarat High Court.
“The notices have been issued as there were complaints of traffic congestion. So keeping the public interest in mind at large and to smoothen traffic movements, we have issued the notices. We have given seven days to the trustees and caretakers to demolish the temples. We will take legal actions if they fail to do so,” Katargam zonal chief and additional city engineer M N Chavda said.
The notice further stated that the Gujarat home department had, on April 19, passed a resolution based on a Supreme Court order that stated: “A survey should be carried out by civic organisations for such religious structures on public places before removing it”.
According to one of the notices, sent to Bharimata temple at Phoolwadi in Katargam, the structure falls in the town planning area. “…as a result of which, the road could not be used up to its extent by commuters, which resulted in traffic congestion. There are chances of accidents. Keeping in mind public interest, it has become necessary to remove the structure that has become an obstacle on the main road… The trustees and caretakers are advised to demolish the entire structure or shift it to some other place within seven days after getting the notice,” the notice reads.
The temple leads to roadblock and increases the chance of accidents. “Keeping in mind public interest, it has become necessary to remove such structures becoming obstacles on the main road,” the notice says.
Meanwhile, the Surat VHP unit has approached District Collector Sourabh Pardhi against the demolition move. “In the name of development, several temples were demolished by SMC. The civic officials have again started issuing notices to temple trustees and caretakers to demolish the structures. How is a temple an obstacle to development?” the VHP asked in a memorandum handed over to the collector.
The memorandum, addressed to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, also questioned why similar mosques and dargahs along the roadsides do not attract any action. “Civic officials also should see that there are many mosques and dargahs along the roadsides in various areas of the city. Why are no actions taken against them? Due to the construction of flyovers and the metro rail network, the public have been facing problems for a long time. We won’t allow such demolition,” the memorandum stated threatening public protests.
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