In a significant last-minute change, the West Bengal government has altered the proposed location for the ambitious Durga Angan temple complex in Kolkata. The project, touted to be the city's largest temple complex, will now be built on a new plot of land, shifting from its initially announced site.
Sudden Shift in Sacred Site
The original site opposite the popular Eco Park in New Town has been abandoned in favor of a new piece of land. This fresh location is situated opposite the New Town bus terminus in Action Area I. The decision was confirmed by Hidco chairperson and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on Thursday, though she did not disclose the specific reasons behind this sudden relocation.
Despite the change in venue, the schedule for the high-profile foundation stone-laying ceremony remains unchanged. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is still set to perform the ritual on Monday, indicating the government's continued priority for the project.
Technical Suitability and Larger Plot Cited
Trinamool Congress MLA Tapash Chatterjee, who represents the Rajarhat New Town constituency, provided some insight into the decision. He explained that the Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation (Hidco), the agency developing the project, had to evaluate multiple parameters before finalizing the site.
"Hidco officials found the new plot bigger in size than the earlier one and more technically suitable for developing Durga Angan," Chatterjee stated. He emphasized that all aspects were thoroughly considered to prevent any future complications. The MLA also assured that other projects would be developed on the previous plot of land earmarked for the temple.
On-Ground Changes Evident
The shift became physically evident on Thursday. A visit to the initial site near Eco Park revealed that the notice board declaring 'Site for Durga Angan' had been removed. Meanwhile, at the new location opposite the bus terminus, preparatory ground work was already in full swing. A new notice board bearing the project's name, 'Durga Angan', has been installed at the fresh site.
This development comes after several weeks of ground preparation work at the original location. Following the Chief Minister's announcement of the plan, government officials had surveyed and selected the land opposite Eco Park. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 262 crore, is being entirely developed by Hidco.
The last-minute relocation has sparked curiosity, but authorities maintain it is a procedural shift aimed at ensuring the best possible execution of this major religious and cultural infrastructure project for Kolkata.
