The Ram Mandir, is underway construction at the Ram Janmabhoomi site and is the subject of a prolonged legal dispute. The Mandir is at the center of this development. Many people think that the Babri Masjid mosque, was constructed on the ruins of an ancient temple. The temple was to commemorate the birthplace of the Hindu God Rama.
A mob of Karsevaks (religious workers) destroyed the 16th-century mosque on December 6, 1992. This is after the long-simmering conflict gained steam in the late 1980s. The Supreme Court did not rule in favour of a temple at the site until late 2019. However, it did rule that the mosque’s demolition was unlawful and requested that land be supplied elsewhere in Ayodhya for the construction of a new mosque.
As this sounds like a win-win solution. Many argue that the land provided for the Babri Masjid is too big and a smaller land would suffice. However, the Court did not listen to these pleas and the original decision stands.
Does Construction of the Temple arise new Issues?
Additionally, the state government is building infrastructure in the town in preparation for the opening of that temple. It will elevate Ayodhya to the status of one of the holiest cities in the world for pilgrims, which is currently in plan to occur in 2024. Further, new township, an industrial area, and even an airport are in the works.
And the shops are being destroyed so that an important road can be widened.
The Hanuman Garhi Temple Trust owned the majority of the stores at Hanuman Garhi, and the store owners were tenants. There are about 500 shops, and the government will destroy most of them soon.
This may put in risk the livelihood of many shopkeepers. The shopkeepers will have to look for new place to relocate their shops. It will also take time for them to settle at the news risk. This may put their financial status at risk. However the UP government has given compensations to the shopkeepers for demolition of their shops. Let’s hope it is enough for them.
Government’s Plan:
The Hanuman Garhi road connects to Ram Janmabhoomi, is one of three road widening projects in Ayodhya. The Up Government has given approval of Rs. 1000 Crores for the same.
The Government expects to finish the project by December 2023, which is also when the Ram Mandir is in plan to open to pilgrims.
Let’s hope the construction finally finishes as the government plans. Also hopefully no local livelihoods face danger.
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