Kendrapara: Despite the Odisha Archaeology department having deputed an expert team to inspect the temple, the 300-year-old Baldevjew temple dating back to the reign of `Marahattas` is facing decay, the temple management says.
"The temple has become a monument of neglect. Safety of servitors, priests and thousands of devotees visiting daily is at stake.
The state archaeology department had deputed an expert team to inspect the temple towards the later part of 2010 year. But nothing has come of it as yet," Nrusingha Charan Patri, a servitor, said.
About a year-and-a-half, the summit structure (dadhi nauti) of the medieval place of worship had developed a major crack while one month later, some portions of bhog ghar (lord’s kitchen) had caved in.
"There is no denying the fact that the temple is in urgent need of conservation. But paucity of funds has delayed renovation of the heritage site," B D Panda, Deputy Director, Department of Culture, said.
However, the conservation project would be undertaken very shortly with the 13th Finance Commission grants for state-protected heritage sites have been earmarked in this regard, Panda said.
"We are expecting the project proposal receiving government clearance after the poll-related model code of conduct is withdrawn," the official added.
PTI
