Post temple demolition, makeshift structure erected in Chandni Chowk
Nearly one-and-a-half-month after a temple was demolished by authorities in old Delhi's Chandni Chowk, a makeshift structure has been erected there, which mayor of the NDMC on Friday claimed was done by Hanuman devotees. Delhi units of the BJP and the AAP in early January had sparred over the demolition of the old Hanuman temple as part of the ongoing Chandni Chowk beautification plan.
Temple was demolished under a court order: NDMC
A senior official of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) had then said the temple was demolished as an encroachment under a court order. Meanwhile, images on Friday surfaced on social media of a makeshift steel-made structure having been erected near the site of demolition, and puja being performed with an idol of Lord Hanuman placed inside it.
We have to respect their religious faith: North Delhi Mayor
"The makeshift structure has been erected by bhakts of Ram Ji and Hanuman Ji. While the due process may not have been followed, we have to respect their astha (religious faith) too," North Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash said on Friday.
Mayor tweeted photos of structure; would seek Lord Hanuman's blessings
In a tweet on Friday, the Mayor shared two photos of the makeshift structure and said that he would visit the site later in the day and seek Lord Hanuman's blessings. In the tweet, he also said, "Chandni Chowk mey viraje #PawanSuttHanuman #JaiShriRam." "After visiting the site, I will decide the next step," the mayor said.
Here is the tweet by the Mayor of North Delhi
Project led by Delhi Government seeks to beautify Chandni Chowk
The Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project, carried out by the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, is being led by the Delhi Government in conjunction with other agencies including the Delhi Metro and the NDMC. It seeks to beautify the nearly 1.5-km stretch of the famous street from Red Fort traffic intersection to Fatehpuri Masjid with pedestrianization norms for ease of visitors.
Chandni Chowk is a prime tourist attraction
Chandni Chowk is a dense hub of traders and old havelis, and a prime tourist attraction in the national capital. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the NDMC. Any civil work in an authorized area needs due permission of relevant authorities.
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