The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has asked at least 13 temples to demolish the religious structures that were obstructing roads and creating traffic in the city. Questioning the civic body’s move, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has warned of protests across the city.
The notices for self-demolition of the 13 temples were issued after a recent SMC survey revealed roadside temples at various places were a hindrance to the traffic. The notice also mentioned that the step was taken following an order of the Gujarat High Court.
“The notices have been issued as there were complaints of traffic congestion. So keeping the public interest in mind at large and to smoothen traffic movements, we have issued the notices. We have given seven days to the trustees and caretakers to demolish the temples. We will take legal actions if they fail to do so,” Katargam zonal chief and additional city engineer M N Chavda said.
The notice further stated that the Gujarat home department had, on April 19, passed a resolution based on a Supreme Court order that stated: “A survey should be carried out by civic organisations for such religious structures on public places before removing it”.
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.
