Indore temple stepwell collapse: Illegal under-construction structure next to old temple demolished

The local Sindhi and Patel communities were building a two-floor new concrete structure next to the old temple to reopen the well beneath the old temple. After some residents complained to the municipality, the work was stopped last year.

The Patel community, which lost 11 members staying in the same lane as the old temple in Sneh nagar in the mishap, pulled their political strings in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and requested the municipality not to demolish the temple, but in vain.

“There is too much pressure on the administration. We called an MLA and a senior BJP leader in Delhi, who expressed helplessness. Let them do their work. We will build the temple again legally,” said a Patel community member.

Previously, The Indian Express had reported how on April 23, 2022, the municipal corporation had served a notice (a copy is with The Indian Express) to the temple trust, which stated construction had been carried out in the temple without due permissions. It stated that land specified for a garden was being encroached for reinforced cement concrete (RCC) construction work and an encroachment complaint was received against it.

It stated that despite previous warnings, the construction work was not stopped. Within two days, reply was required on why action must not be taken, failing which a one-sided action would be taken.

An official from the municipal corporation explained why the illegal roof over the temple was not mentioned in the notice. The official said, “The notice was pertaining to ongoing illegal construction. We did not mention the illegally built roof over the well because it was 20 to 25 years old, as per our knowledge. At that time, some action may have been taken but we cannot say for sure.”

Following the notice, the temple trust wrote a reply to the municipal corporation (a copy is with The Indian Express). Incidentally, their reply mentioned the roof over the well. “The reason cited in the notice was false and not acceptable. The temple is over 100 years old and in place before the garden. The restoration work is not going on the garden’s land. The temple is in tattered condition and is being restored. The bawdi (well) inside the temple is shut with a tin shade over it. Many times, the municipality officials demanded that it be open. It is proposed that the well be restored and used to provide water for devotees. The work of restarting the well is underway.” it said.

“False information regarding the revival of the temple is being published in the notice, which is not only against the principles of Hindu dharma but also provokes the sentiments of Hindus. Due to this, the peace of Hindus in the local area has been affected and there is fear among them due to which there is the possibility of Hindu sentiments being provoked,” the reply added.

The reply stated that it was an attempt to stop the temple’s revival work and the trust requested the municipal corporation to withdraw the notice and help them in the revival work.