Ayodhya Ram temple: Water leakage in sanctum sanctorum?

LUCKNOW: Six months after the imposing inaugural ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, potholes and water puddles appeared on the temple premises creating a huge uproar in the political sphere. The first rains of the monsoon have wreaked heavy damage on the heritage spot.

The Ram Path road leading to the Ram Temple is now embellished with potholes. Officials claim that potholes formed on the 14 km-long road have been covered. The Yogi government suspended six officials in connection with the incident. Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi informed the media about starting steps to drain the rainwater formed on the waterlogged spots.

There are reports of leakage inside the temple after last Saturday's midnight rain. The chief priest of the Ram temple says the rainwater flowing from the roof is accumulating inside the temple, very close to the sanctum sanctorum. He also accused that there is no system to drain the rainwater in the temple premises. Water logging was also reported outside the newly renovated Ayodhya railway station.

Meanwhile, the authorities clarified that the dripping water issue was due to the undergoing work on the temple, where a new dome is expected. The design and construction manager dismissed the uproar over the incident saying that the building is just 80% complete and needs more work to meet perfection.

Meanwhile, Champat Rai, general secretary of the temple trust, dismissed reports of leakage inside the temple. Rai said the leak was through the conduit pipe, which is undergoing construction for electricity wiring purposes. He also ensured elite facilities for draining rainwater which is undergoing preparation in the temple.

Meanwhile, reports of leakages in the temple premises turned into a tool for the opposition to severely criticise the BJP government. The opposition alleged massive corruption in the construction of the Ram Temple.