NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 14, 2003: Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to declare the Kalkaji temple in south Delhi a protected monument. The notification is aimed at protecting the temple from people who misuse the temple’s premises and property. The ASI will be empowered to clear the area of all illegal construction that has mushroomed near the shrine with the backing of those who run its affairs. The notification will also allow the ASI to maintain the structure and regulate the admission of devotees to the temple.
The temple attracts large numbers of people from the Capital and neighboring areas. Its earnings, through donations and offerings, run into many thousands of US dollars. But the temple is poorly maintained and in an extremely dilapidated condition. Control over funds and the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the temple are in the hands of the representatives of a brahmin clan, consisting of about 350 families, who own the temple. The notification will not change that. The temple is extremely ancient, dating back likely thousands of years.
Nathi Ram Bhardwaj, a priest of the temple, says over 100 sweepers clean the huge temple complex. He accuses civic agencies of not providing sewerage and water connection. Bhardwaj also said there is a stay order from the Delhi High Court against the takeover of the temple by the Central government.
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