An ‘illegal’ temple that came overnight

Residents say illegal structure encroaches the footpath

Work on the structure that had come up at the junction of John Armstrong Road and Viviani Road in Richards Town was stopped after residents complained.

Residents of Richards Town woke up on Sunday morning to discover a structure being constructed around an anthill, encroaching a pavement in the area.

The structure was being built at the junction of John Armstrong Road and Viviani Road .

Kenneth Lean, a resident of the area for the past 17 years, said he has seen the anthill since then, but never were there any plans to build a structure around it.

“We have seen people apply vermilion and perform puja to the anthill on some festivals, but nothing more than that. But by Sunday morning, the structure around it was nearly 5-ft. tall,” he said.

Enquiries with those building the structure revealed an interesting story. Shankar, a resident of A.K. Colony, Tannery Road, told The Hindu that he was building the temple using his own funds. “We have seen our grandfather offer prayers at the anthill. I recently prayed at the anthill when my daughter was ill. She recovered soon, prompting me to build a temple,” he said, and added that he had sought permission from Sagayapuram ward councillor Elumalai to construct it.

However, when residents complained, Mr. Elumalai directed Mr. Shankar to stop the construction immediately. Mr. Lean said the structure was encroaching the pavement and hence was illegal . “We are surprised as to how the councillor allowed such a construction. Moreover, it is a junction and the structure would block the view of the other road, which may lead to accidents,” he said.

Mr. Elumalai said Mr. Shankar had sought permission to put up a small shelter over the anthill since he believed in its “powers”, and added that he did not know that a permanent structure was being built.