Indore temple accident: Bulldozers demolish illegal construction, officials ensure no disturbance
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Indore: After the accident at the Beleshwar Mahadev temple killed 36 people, it was demolished by five bulldozers today. Municipality officials and police officers arrived at the premises on Monday morning to ensure that the illegal construction was taken out without any disturbance.
According to an NDTV report, the temple area that collapsed days ago was an illegal structure and the Indore Municipal Corporation had marked the stepwell for demolition last year. But the temple trust warned the officials that religious sentiments will be hurt. And they backed down.
Police have now filed a case against two officials in the temple trust. Two municipal officials have also been suspended for not taking action against the illegal structure.
Several residents had filed complaints at the Indore Municipal Corporation about the illegal structure. Today, officers from four police stations, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, and District Magistrate were present at the spot.
The stepwell roof collapsed on Ram Navami due to the weight of the crowds. The 200-year-old stepwell was covered with four iron girders, a thin layer of concrete, and tiles incapable of holding the weight of the crowd. People gathered for the havan (ritual) did not know that the ground beneath their feet hides a deep well and rusty iron grills.
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan told District Collectors to identify traditional ancient wells and stepwells and prepare a list. Officials are now instructed to be particularly alert about wells and stepwells that were covered without filling. Such risky structures are now to be opened to avoid accidents. Boundary walls, fencing, or railing are also likely to be made around such structures. Boreholes are also being targeted now.
The Indore district administration also issued an order under section 144 of CrPC to identify and free all stepwells from encroachment. Officials will survey 629 water bodies in Indore.