Construction Flaws Mar Newly Inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya Amid Monsoon Rains

Opposition Alleges Corruption in Construction as Infrastructure Issues Emerge Six Months Post-Inauguration

Ayodhya – Within six months of the much-celebrated inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, construction flaws have started to surface, raising concerns about the durability of the structure. Following light rain on Sunday, reports of dampness and water leakage began to emerge, with a video of the incident quickly going viral.

Chief Priest Calls for Immediate Solutions

Mahant Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Mandir, highlighted significant issues with water leakage and drainage problems within the sanctum sanctorum. “Water started leaking in the temple and the area where Ram Lalla is enshrined during the first rain itself,” he said. “Water also accumulated inside the sanctum sanctorum, and if this issue is not addressed soon, it will become difficult to continue worship and darshan (viewing of the deity) with the onset of the monsoon.”

Construction Committee’s Response

Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Shri Ram Temple Construction Committee, acknowledged the issue, stating that rainwater was expected to fall from the first floor due to the open Guru Mandap, which is part of the temple’s design according to Nagara architecture. “This will be covered once the second floor and the spire are completed. Work is ongoing on the first floor, and once completed, the drains will be sealed,” Mishra explained.

Initial Celebration and Emerging Concerns

The inauguration of the Ram Temple in January was a nationwide event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrating the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The temple, celebrated for its grand design and intricate architecture, symbolized a fulfillment of a deeply held wish by millions. However, the recent construction issues have raised concerns about the quality and durability of the structure, which was intended to symbolize a path towards national development.

Leakage in Ram Temple Roof

The leakage in the Ram Temple’s sanctum sanctorum, experienced after the first heavy rains since its inauguration, has been particularly embarrassing. Acharya Satyendra Das expressed surprise at the leakage, noting the involvement of engineers from across the country in the temple’s construction. “It is very surprising. With so many engineers here and the Pran Pratishtha held on January 22, nobody would have thought water would leak from the roof,” Das commented.

Despite assurances from Nripendra Mishra that the issue would be resolved, the chief priest expressed skepticism about the committee’s claim that the entire temple construction would be completed by December 2024.

Infrastructure Issues Around Ram Temple

In addition to the temple’s leakage issues, new infrastructure in Ayodhya is also showing signs of failure. Four new routes inspired by the Vedas – Bhakti Path, Ramjanmabhoomi Path, Ram Path, and Dharma Path – all leading to the temple and equipped with modern infrastructure like solar lights, have started caving in within six months of their inauguration.

Opposition Accusations

The opposition Congress party has capitalized on these incidents, accusing the ruling BJP of corruption in the temple’s construction. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai alleged that the BJP has made Ayodhya a “hub of corruption by getting second-rate construction done in a hurry only to gain electoral benefits.” Rai also criticized the BJP for the poor quality of new infrastructure in Ayodhya, pointing out the damage caused by recent rains.

Call for Accountability

As the monsoon season approaches, the urgent need for addressing the construction flaws in the Ram Mandir and surrounding infrastructure becomes more pressing. The involvement of high-profile engineers and significant financial investments have raised questions about oversight and accountability in the construction process. The temple, which holds immense cultural and religious significance, now faces the challenge of rectifying these issues to maintain its sanctity and ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the construction and management of the temple, must now work swiftly to address these flaws and restore faith in the project’s integrity.