Jharkhand High Court Takes Strict Action Over Temple Beautification Delays
The Jharkhand High Court has issued a stern directive, ordering the state's tourism secretary and the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner to appear in person before the court. This move comes as a response to their non-compliance with previous court orders aimed at beautifying the Maa Chinnamastika Temple in Rajrappa, Ramgarh district.
Court's Observations on Safety and Facilities
A division bench comprising Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Sanjay Prasad made this decision while hearing a petition related to the temple. The bench noted that in September 2023, the High Court had directed the government to ensure the beautification of the temple and its premises. However, both the district administration and the tourism department have failed to implement these directives, leading to inadequate facilities for devotees.
The court emphasized that the original order was intended to improve facilities within the temple campus and provide proper safety and protection for visitors. In recent times, there have been several accidental deaths in and around the temple, which is located adjacent to the Bhairavi River. The court was informed that no proper safety arrangements have been made on the riverbanks, resulting in tragic loss of lives.
Specific Directions and Upcoming Hearing
Earlier in 2023, the court had issued detailed instructions to the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation and the Ramgarh district administration. These included:
- Beautification of the temple and its premises
- Construction of permanent bathing ghats with adequate safety enclosures
- Installation of kiosks for devotees to change clothes after bathing
- Provision of an adequate number of lavatories
- Availability of medical facilities and drinking water
- Removal of encroachments
Despite these clear mandates, progress has been negligible. The division bench has now scheduled a hearing for March 18, where the tourism secretary and the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner must appear to explain the delays. This step underscores the court's commitment to ensuring public safety and enhancing religious tourism infrastructure in the region.
