Several ancient monuments in Bhubaneswar protected by the Archaeological Survey of India are facing threats from rising road levels in their neighbourhood. On World Heritage Day, The Telegraph takes a look at four structures under threat

Rajarani temple

The drain being built by the PWD in front of the Rajarani temple gate

This beautifully crafted 11th century temple in turbid yellow sandstone (locally called Rajarania) on Tankapani Road is the epitome of Odisha’s graceful stone-carving style with its alluring damsels in stone.

However, the rising level of the roadside drain, which is nearly two feet higher than the land on the temple compound now, is a serious cause for concern. The ASI officials fear that rainwater accumulated at the temple will not be able to flow out because of this engineering flaw. The public works department (PWD) maintains the drain.

Mukteswar temple

Mukteswar temple

For the 10th century Mukteswar temple along the Bhubaneswar-Puri road, the ASI authorities at times have to take help of the civic authorities to pump out water during heavy rain. Till 1962, the roads surrounding the temple were at the same level. But then on, the road level continued to rise and at present, rainwater passing through the Puri road flows into the temple compound.

Megheswar temple

The road in front of Megheswar temple is at a higher level than the temple

The 12th century monument on Tankapani Road is already bearing the brunt of the rising road level because the drainage system of the temple pond does not work since the roads and houses around it are built at a higher level. Unplanned growth of residential buildings has blocked the flow of rainwater from the temple.

Baital temple

The surrounding structures of Baital temple are much higher

The 7th Century Baital temple has been in the news for waterlogging. The problem is now under control to some extent with the installation of a pump. However, the rise in the road level and unplanned growth of houses surrounding the temple still pose a threat to the beautiful temple on Ratha Road leading to Lingaraj temple.