Temple Committee and Locals Oppose the Move, Railway Officials Clarify the Situation
The Railways’ attempt to remove an alleged encroachment near the Jagannath Temple in Khasmahal Colony, Jamshedpur, faced stiff resistance from the temple committee and local residents on Saturday.
JAMSHEDPUR – The Railways had issued a notice on Friday to remove the temple as part of their expansion plan.
However, when the Railway Land Department team arrived at the site to execute the order, they were met with strong opposition from the temple committee and nearby residents.
The situation escalated as people argued with the railway officials, protesting against their actions.
Faced with the anger and resistance of the locals, the Land Department team had to return empty-handed without removing the alleged encroachment.
Railway official Upendra Singh clarified that the order was not to remove the temple itself but to remove an additional wall constructed adjacent to the temple, next to the road leading to the Railway Officer Club.
He explained that the wall had to be removed for safety reasons, as drug addicts were known to frequent the area, and railway employees living in the nearby railway quarter had complained about the issue to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM).
Singh further stated that the matter has been postponed following the protests.
Members of the Puja Mandir Committee, however, maintain that the boundary wall was constructed solely for the security of the temple.
They claimed to have complained about the hoarding to the police earlier, but no action was taken.
The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious structures and the need for effective communication between the authorities and the local community to resolve such issues amicably.
The Railways’ clarification regarding the scope of the removal order may help ease tensions, but further dialogue and a mutually agreeable solution will be necessary to address the concerns of all parties involved.
