Gopuram lies flat on the ground

Though it has been more than two years since the collapse of the Raja Gopuram in the Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Temple at Srikalahasti, works pertaining to its reconstruction are going at a snail’s place.

The 130-foot majestic temple tower, which was originally constructed by Vijayanagara emperor Srikrishna Devaraya some 500 years ago, fell victim to the vagaries of weather and collapsed on May 26, 2010. Cracks on the structure developed when the gopuram was hit by lightning two-and-half decades ago and since then, its condition gradually worsened. When it was again hit by lightning on May 26, it completely collapsed.

Three months after the collapse of the Gopuram, the then chief minister K Rosaiah visited the place and assured that it would be reconstructed at the earliest.

To ensure that no accidents take place during construction, an expert committee constituted by the government had asked the temple authorities to clear 60 feet area around the construction site. The authorities claimed to have cleared 75 feet area, but it was disputed later. A year later, Navayuga construction company, which had volunteered to construct the Rajagopuram free of cost, stopped the works after finishing the base, stating that the temple authorities had failed to hand over the required land for construction.

It is learnt that the company had sought exemption of royalty on transportation of the required stones from a quarry near Kotappakonda. "Obtaining required stones had resulted in delay in the works. Now issue is cleared and works will commence shortly," endowments officials said.

Removing structures like Devangula mandapam and other private edifices, will be a sensitive issue as the structures have sentimental value for a particular community. Srikalahasti temple executive engineer Rami Reddy admitted to the delay in acquiring the required land to clear the area around Rajagopuram and evacuating the dwellers.

 "Now we have orders for dismantling Devangula mandapam, which would be later reconstructed. Necessary land has also been acquired for the same and once the construction work resumes, it will be completed in 18-months time," a temple official said.