Temple structure encroaches on Arcot Road carriageway

CHENNAI: A small temple on Arcot Road in Vadapalani has encroached upon a part of a carriageway with idol structures spilling on the road.

Temple-goers say the encroachment is temporary as there is a pooja slated this week. The encroachment will be removed once the festivities are over.

“The road and the pavements remain perennially crowded with vehicles and vendors. Now, the temple has occupied half the road. This is an arterial road with a steady flow of vehicles. This temple structure will lead to further traffic congestion,” said a resident of Vadapalani on condition of anonymity.

A pandal enclosure has been erected on the road, inside which idols are being made. It occupies more than 10-ft width of the road. Ironically, this temple is only a few metres from a police booth at the Arcot Road – Arunachalam Road junction.

“These structures have been built ahead of a homam that will be conducted over the next two days, and by the end of this week it will be removed,” said a worker at the temple.

Corporation officials, when contacted, said they were not aware of the problem.

An engineer from the ward, after inspection, said the temple representatives have given a letter stating that the pandal and the structures will be dismantled after April 14.

“On Wednesday and Thursday, there is a homam for which they have made elaborate arrangements on the road. However, we need the help of police to tackle such issues as it is encroaching the road,” said the official.

Civic body officials said they are reluctant to pursue such matters without the intervention of police as it concerns a religious structure.