The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday intensified its oversight of the redevelopment of the Maa Chhinnamastika temple at Rajrappa, directing the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner (DC) to submit a formal status report on the ongoing beautification and infrastructure works at the prominent Shaktipeeth.
A division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Sanjay Prasad issued the direction to Ramgarh DC Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz during the hearing of a contempt petition. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 25 to review the progress of the court-mandated facilities.
The proceedings originated from a contempt petition filed by Sanjeev Kumar, who sought the implementation of specific directives issued by the High Court in September 2023. These original orders aimed to provide a comprehensive facelift to the temple premises, which sit at the scenic confluence of the Damodar and Bhairavi rivers and attract a massive daily footfall of devotees.
On Tuesday, the court had summoned both the State Tourism Secretary and the Ramgarh DC to explain the non-compliance with its earlier mandates. The judicial intervention emphasizes the urgency of providing basic amenities and ensuring the safety of the thousands who visit the site.
Responding to the court’s scrutiny, DC Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz updated the bench on several completed milestones. The district administration informed the court that:
- Infrastructure: Eight changing rooms have already been constructed for the convenience of devotees.
- Lighting: Street lights have been installed throughout the temple campus and its surrounding areas to improve visibility and safety.
- Sanitation: In a bid to maintain high standards of cleanliness, the administration has signed pacts with private companies to ensure the premises remain clean at all times.
Despite the reported progress, the High Court identified critical areas requiring immediate attention. The bench directed the Deputy Commissioner to initiate rigorous anti-encroachment drives to ensure the temple campus remains free from illegal settlements and obstructions.
Furthermore, addressing safety concerns at the riverbank, the court suggested the creation of a “red zone” barricade near the Bhairavi river. This measure is intended to act as a physical deterrent to prevent devotees from venturing into deep waters and to mitigate the risk of drowning.
The High Court’s overarching vision for the Rajrappa temple includes the construction of permanent bathing ghats equipped with safety enclosures. Previous orders also highlighted the necessity for:
- Adequate lavatories and drinking water stations.
- On-site medical facilities for emergencies.
- Systematic removal of all encroachments to maintain the sanctity and accessibility of the Shaktipeeth.
The court will re-examine the status of these developmental goals during the upcoming hearing on March 25.
