Centre urged to speed up temple restoration

WARANGAL: TRS senior leader B. Vinod Kumar demanded that the Central Government complete the restoration of Thousand Pillar temple at the earliest.

The Kalyana Mantapam structure which was in dilapidated condition was demolished for reconstruction an year ago. The Centre had sanctioned Rs. 3 crore for the purpose. However, due to lack of coordination, the work had been pending since then.

Senior citizen and retired professor of Regional Engineering College (REC), M. Panduranga Rao who had been espousing the cause took it up with the public representatives.

Senior officers in the Government and Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah too impressed upon Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy who wrote to the Union Minister and officials at New Delhi.

Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reportedly differed over the type of foundation to be adopted for rebuilding the demolished portion of Thousand Pillar temple. Some argue that RCC foundation would last long, while others opine that granular piles with a shaft would be better.

Mr. Vinod Kumar said when he met Director General of ASI, he promised to get a technical report from one of the IITs of the country before going ahead with restoration work at Thousand Pillar temple.

The TRS leader demanded that the ASI secure the required report at the earliest and complete the project as it was already delayed.

TRS leaders Jannu Jacharaiah, temple priest Gangu Upendra Sharma and others were present.