Archaeologists are worried about the state of the Kedar Gouri temple complex. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 13: The growth of modern buildings and infrastructure around one of the major heritage sites of the Temple City, the Kedar Gouri temple complex, has become a cause of concern for archaeologists.

While lack awareness on the part of local residents is a cause leading to deterioration of the monument, blind eye of the authorities towards preservation of the 10th and 12th century temples in the precinct adds to the problem.

The major monuments in the Kedar Gouri complex are the 10th century Gouri temple and the 12th century Kedareswara temple. Although, the monument has cultural, historical and architectural significance, neither the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the Orissa State Archaeology has declared it as a protected site. The Kedar Gouri Trust Board, a local body, looks after the temples.

The intricate craftsmanship on the temple exteriors has become invisible owing to the thick enamel paint coated on its surface.

“The local residents have painted the Kedareswara and Gouri temples with white and red enamel, respectively, because of lack of awareness. To conserve the original monument, this needs to be removed with chemical treatment,” said an official of the Orissa State Archaeology.

While this coating is one of the concerns regarding conservation of the temple, the thick algae deposits on its compound wall are also harmful for the structure. Growth of vegetation has also come up at some places on the temple walls. Moreover, modern buildings and shops have blocked the approach road to the temple. More private structures are coming up very close to the site.

Archaeologists believe this is a threat to the preservation of the ancient site. “Urban vandalism is a major cause of concern when it comes to safeguarding ancient heritage sites. Until the public and the authorities come together and there is an awareness among local residents about their responsibility, this will remain a problem,” said former superintendent of the Orissa State Archaeology B. K. Rath.

Visitors to the temple also complain about the bad condition of the approach road to the temple. “There is only one road leading to the temple and that too, is busy, since there is a school adjacent to the temple. This path is mainly a kachha road and is yet to become a metallic one. It is not even levelled. The temple is situated at a dead end,” said Prafulla Mishra, a devotee.

Officials at the Orissa State Archaeology said the maintenance of many heritage sites had begun already.

“We cleared up the wild vegetation that had grown on various ancient monuments. However, when it comes to civic facilities, local residents must contact the concerned authorities,” said an official.