BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday approved the construction of a ramp near the northern gate (Uttara Dwara) of the Kuruma Bedha (inner enclosure) of Srimandir to facilitate direct entry of persons with disabilities (PwDs) into the sanctum sanctorum.
The construction was proposed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). The matter was discussed at a review meeting over the ongoing conservation works in the temple between the ASI and SJTA on the day. ASI will implement the work. Temple administrator Ranjan Das said the ramp will be made of stone instead of wood or any other material for better quality and stability for the movement of wheelchairs. The ramp at the northern gate of Kuruma Bedha will facilitate direct entry of the visually impaired and physically challenged devotees into the sanctum sanctorum.
Earlier in 2015, the temple administration had set up a steel ramp at the northern gate extending up to Ananda Bazaar and facilitated wooden wheelchairs for the PwD devotees. However, the ramp remained unused for several years and became dilapidated. “Earlier, PwD devotees used to go to Ananda Bazaar in wheelchairs and then there was a facility for them to be carried into the sanctum sanctorum. But from this new site, they can be directly taken to the sanctum sanctorum,” said an official.
The decision assumes significance as the temple has so far remained out of bounds for differently-abled persons. The matter is currently being heard in the Orissa High Court following a PIL filed by Jitendra Kumar Biswal, a differently-abled social activist of Bargarh. Currently, differently-abled devotees are allowed to use wheelchairs only up to the Lion’s Gate but it is prohibited beyond that. From there, these devotees are further carried inside either by the volunteers or their relatives.
Another important decision that was taken in the review meeting pertained to the repair of Nata mandap. It was decided that Srimandir Nata Mandap repair will start after September and IIT-Madras will prepare two designs for conservation work keeping in mind the structural stability. One of the designs by IIT-Madras will be selected by the ASI core committee for the work. Besides, it was decided that the ‘Phula Ghara’ near the western gate of the temple will be repaired.