Experts to study impact of enamel paint on Kashi Vishwanath temple

Varanasi, Aug 31 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission has constituted a committee of experts to study the adverse effect of enamel paint on the world famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Interacting with mediapersons here, State Information Commissioner Gyanendra Sharma said that the committee will be headed by Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) Director S N Upadhayaya. It will also have as other members, two specialists from Chemical Engineering Department of the same institute, -- P K Mishra and Pradip Srivastava.

The committee has been asked to study in detail whether the use of enamel paint in the temple will have any adverse impact on human life, Vastu Shilpa of the famed temple or will it result in degradation of the stones forming the temple, Mr Sharma added.

''If the committee concludes that enamel paint will be hazardous to human health or the ancience of the temple, it will also have to suggest the procedure for making the globally famous temple free of the paint,'' he said, adding, that the panel has been asked to submit its report to the Commission on the entire matter within a month's time.

Presently probing the alleged irregularities in the temple administration, Mr Sharma said he will submit his report to the Commission on the entire matter by next week. A supplementary report will follow after the committee submit its findings.

On the other complaints of irregularities in the management of the temple affairs, made to the Commission by former UP minister Shatrudhra Prakash, Mr Sharma said that the Commission will hear on September five next, the case related to non-availability of documents pertaining to the transfer of Rani Bhawani and Tarkeswar temple property to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust.

The Information Commissioner said during the last hearing of the case on August 10, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Varanasi P C Tiwari was present, where he was asked why the documents could not be found.

''Mr Tiwari today met me again and informed that an explanation has been sought from the employee concerned about the missing documents,'' Mr Sharma added.

On the third issue raised by the complainant as to why the work of temple renovation was given by the Temple Trust to Rajkiya Nirman Nigam's Jaunpur unit, despite the presence of other competent government agencies, Mr Sharma said that officials concerned were heard today.

''They told me that as per the proceedings of the Temple Trust meeting on March 30 last, the work of temple renovation was given to Rajkiya Nirman Nigam and not its Jaunpur unit,'' Mr Sharma said.

The officials concerned have been asked to make a reply before me tomorrow in the matter, he said.

The Information Commissioner, during his visit to the temple today, met several residents of the areas adjoining the temple, besides interacting with the son of former Mahant of the temple.

''All those whom I met today have spoken critically about transparency in the management of temple affairs and support services,'' he added.

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