BARIPADA:The puja for initiating construction work of chariots for Rath Yatra of Haribaladev Jew temple here on the auspicious day of ‘Akshay Tritiya’ on Tuesday was hampered as the Sevayats staged a dharna in front of the temple to press their demands.
Their demands included filling up vacant posts of Sevayats, hike in daily wage from Rs 200 to Rs 500 as per hierarchy, renovation of Hemsagar pond which is used for Chandan Yatra, proper management of administrative work, remuneration for retired Sevayats, re-making of jewellery of the Trinity before Nabakalebara and health cards and life insurance for them.
They alleged that the district administration has imposed some restrictions on them which have affected the rituals of the deities. Besides, conducting the Chandan Yatra in the Hemsagar pond has become a tough task as it is encroached by the locals and has turned into a garbage dumping yard. They demanded immediate renovation of the pond.
Though ADM Suratha Chandra Mallick and Sub-Collector Bishikeshan Dehuri met the Sevayats and assured them of looking into their demands by April 30, they did not relent from the agitation.
The Sevayats said they would not perform any other puja except regular rituals of the Trinity.