Shops in mandapam near Andal temple closed

Shopkeepers demand alternative site for them to do business

A section of the shops in the mandapam outside Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputtur, which remained closed on Thursday.

SRIVILLIPUTTUR

Sixty shops that were functioning in the mandapam outside Sri Andal Temple here remained closed on Thursday after the deadline issued by the temple authorities to vacate them on safety concerns ended on Wednesday.

The shopkeepers having their business establishments in the mandapam in Sannithi Street, and in Garudan Sannithi and North Mada Street wanted to continue in the same locations till shops were provided to them at an alternative site, but the temple authorities turned down their plea.

“We have been here for three generations and our livelihood depends on these shops,” said Kumar, a representative of the shopkeepers. They had been maintaining a cordial relationship with the temple management till date, Mr. Kumar added.

Temple fit person K. Ravichandran said eviction of shops was ordered only on safety concerns. “The stone mandapam has a heritage value and it has to be protected,” he said.

The temple authorities had issued a notice to the shopkeepers for vacating the shops a week ago. But, the shopkeepers sought time till an alternative site was provided to them.

“We have identified land near the Sorkavasal. But, it would take time for constructing shops there,” Mr. Ravichandran said.

When the officials threatened to seal the shops, the shopkeepers closed them down on Thursday. “We do not know where to keep all our things,” Mr. Kumar said. The shopkeepers were considering approaching court against the order of the temple management.