Sambalpur: Temple Expansion Without Security; Samaleswari Trust Board Raises Alarm
Proposal for Outpost Stalled
Police Quarters Yet to be Transferred
Sambalpur: Despite the expansion of the Samaleswari Temple complex and a tenfold increase in devotee numbers, security measures have not kept up. The Samaleswari Temple Trust Board has proposed an outpost to the district administration, hoping for prompt approval. With the temple area expanding from 4.42 acres to 44 acres, enhanced security is more important than ever. On regular days, long lines of devotees are common, with numbers swelling to 8,000-15,000 on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During festivals like Dussehra and Mahalaya, the influx of devotees is massive, making crowd management and security a major challenge.
The increasing number of dignitaries, ministers, and officials visiting the Samaleswari temple has exacerbated the security situation. Sanjay Babu, the Chairman of the Samaleswari Trust Board, stated that while no untoward incidents have occurred in the temple complex thus far, the current security measures are insufficient given the expanded temple area.
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Stalled Plans and Local Concerns
There have been discussions with the former district collector and SP about constructing an outpost on the temple grounds. However, local residents are concerned that, despite the temple’s perimeter expansion, security arrangements have not only failed to improve but have actually deteriorated. The old police outpost was demolished as part of the Samaleswari project, and new quarters were built by the construction agency but have yet to be handed over. As a result, a constable and six female police officers assigned to the area are experiencing significant difficulties, particularly due to a lack of basic amenities such as toilets.
Challenges Faced by Female Constables
The situation is particularly dire for female constables, who are suffering from a lack of adequate facilities. The Khetrajpur Police Station Officer stated that, while there are independent quarters on the Samaleswari Temple grounds, the final decision to improve security arrangements rests with higher police authorities.
