Guntur, January 18: The technical committee appointed by the state government to study the Rajagopuram of Mangalagiri Panakala Swamy temple opposed demolition of the ancient structure and suggested several measures to strengthen it.
The committee inspected ancient structures in various temples in Krishna, Guntur and Khammam districts in June last year and submitted it’s recommendations to the government.
However, the commissioner of endowments issued a GO on October 19, 2010 recommending reconstruction of Rajagopuram of Mangalagiri temple.
The committee observed that due to heavy vehicular traffic on the main road in front of the Rajagopuram, the vibrations were being transferred to the structure. It suggested alternative routes for vehicular traffic to protect the ancient structure.
The committee also recommended measures to strengthen the Rajagopuram by tying it with high strength ropes at two levels.
Another technical committee inspected the Rajagopuram on the initiative of ASARA – a social legal service forum.
The committee comprising professor and head of the civil engineering department of KL University, Ch Hanumantha Rao and CEO of Domineer Architects and Structural Designers Pvt Ltd, K Venkata Siva Rama Prasad suggested conducting ground penetration radar testing, a non-destructive test, to find out the exact dimension of the gopuram foundation.
The committee also suggested strengthening the foundation by using suitable ground improvement technique.
The committee observed that no action has been taken on the government committee recommendations.
The committee observed that speed breakers should be laid near the Rajagopuram to minimise vibrations.
The committee differed with the suggestion of tying the Gopuram on either side with ropes. It suggested that no construction work should be taken up near the Rajagopuram.
Several people expressed surprise over the government’s decision to reconstruct the Rajagopuram by demolishing the existing one though the technical committee appointed by it opposed it.
–Agencies