Belagavi: Kalyani Chalukya temples in Savadatti fight for survival due to poor maintenance
Belagavi: Temples built by the Kalyani Chalukyas in Hooli village of Savadatti taluk face threat of destruction, being in poor condition, covered by bushes and shrubs and also being encroached upon.
The structures were built in 11th and 12th centuries in Savadatti, which was once a seat of Shaivism. Considered a visual delight, the temples demand necessary measures of conservation to prevent destruction, Deccan Herald has reported.
While the buildings and other structures built during the rule of the dynasty carry huge potential for tourism, lack of publicity has prevented the outside world to learn about them.
The local residents have said that there are 101 temples and wells each in Hooli, but lack of maintenance by the concerned authorities has resulted in growth of weeds around the structures. They also stressed on encroachment proving dangerous for the temples and the wells.
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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken charge of the Panchalingeshwara temple, but not Bhavanishankara, Andhakeshwara, Kalameshwara, Madaneshwara, Tarakeshwara, Kashi Vishwanatha, Beeradeva, Suryanarayana and Hooli Sangameshwara Ajjanavaru temples. The monuments are yet to be added to the list of the State Archaeological Department too.
ASI Museums Director Smita Reddy reportedly admitted that the temples situated in Hooli were ancient and required to be conserved. She added that efforts were on to include temples other than the Panchalingeshwara Temple to the list of the State Archaeological Departmentin order to get them declared as protected monuments.
Stating that the tahsildar as well as the Savadatti and Hooli gram panchayats had been contacted to clear the temple premises of encroachments, Reddy added that the Department feared damage to the temples in Hooli by treasure hunters influenced by the recent finding of gold at Lakkundi in Gadag. She stressed that it was a myth and also people’s imagination that ancient temples had such hidden treasure under the idols.
Panchayat Development Officer of Hooli GP, Mahadevappa Kalli, said they undertake cleaning of weeds and bushes around the temples biannually in order to protect the structures.
He also said that the Panchayat had received a letter from the ASI on January 1 related to measures to clean the temple premises and added that it was decided at the local general body meeting in late January to clear the overgrowth on the premises.
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Curfew relaxed in Meghalaya's Garo Hills for church services
Shillong (PTI): The curfew in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, imposed in the wake of recent violence that claimed two lives, was relaxed for 12 hours on Sunday for church services, officials said.
West Garo Hills District Magistrate Vibhor Agarwal, in an order, said the curfew will remain in force for 24 hours from 6 am on March 15, unless withdrawn earlier but a 12-hour relaxation from 6 am to 6 pm has been allowed to facilitate public movement to attend church services and other essential activities.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, said incidents of violence in various parts of the district posed a serious threat to human life, public safety and property, making it necessary to continue preventive measures.
Authorities said that no person shall move outside their residence during the curfew hours and any violation would attract penal action under Section 223 of the BNS and other provisions.
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East Garo Hills District Magistrate R P Marak, in a notification, said the curfew will remain relaxed from 6 am to 6 pm on March 15 to allow residents to attend church services.
However, authorities said Williamnagar Main Bazaar will remain closed during the relaxation period.
Personnel engaged in essential services such as police, ambulance, electricity and water supply, fire and emergency services, and on-duty government officials and media personnel will continue to remain exempted from the curfew restrictions, officials said.
Curfew was imposed following protests over the issue of the eligibility of candidates in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls.
The protests saw incidents of arson, vandalism and clashes, resulting in the death of at least two persons and injuries to several others, while a number of shops, establishments and vehicles were damaged.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the postponement of the GHADC elections that were scheduled to be held on April 10.
