IIT-R to make fireproof sheet for makeshift Ayodhya temple
LUCKNOW: Idols of Lord Ram, Janki and Laxman in the makeshift temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya would soon get a fireproof cover to be prepared by Indian Institute of TechnologyRoorkee (IIT-R).
“We have have already roped in IIT-R authorities and given them ` 11.4 lakh as advance to prepare a fire proof cover,” said Surya Prakash Mishra, divisional commissioner, Faziabad, who is also the receiver of the site.
He said before going ahead with the plan, an expert team of IIT-R would visit the site. “The expert team from IIT-R is expected to visit the site on August 30,” Mishra said.
The move came after the Supreme Court ordered replacement of “old and worn out” tarpaulin sheet, ropes and other materials with new ones at the makeshift Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
A bench headed by Justice T S Thakur had said, “We direct that the authorised person/commissioner Faizabad is permitted to replace the old and worn out tarpaulin sheet, jute matting, bamboo, polythene sheet and ropes over the makeshift structure by new ones of the same size and quality and exactly in the same manner as they were previously placed.”
The Commissioner said that while waterproof tarpaulin was installed last year, the fireproof material was too old and was in a poor condition and needed replacement.
“The waterproof tarpaulin was installed last year, but it got worn out due to weather,” he said. He said the basic material was fireproof cover. “One can get waterproof material anywhere in the market for ` 30,000 to ` 40,000, but installing fireproof cover needed expertise. Therefore, we contacted IIT-R,” Mishra said. He said the remaining materials include bamboos, ropes, jute matting, polythene sheet and ropes to protect the makeshift structure.
The process of replacement of the old cover by the new one will be undertaken and completed under supervision of two observers who have been visiting the site, the bench, also comprising Justices V R Gopala Gowda and R Banumathi, had ruled.