Controversy Deepens in Hubballi Over Road Construction on Historic Temple Tank Site

A major controversy has erupted in Hubballi, Karnataka, over the alleged construction of a road on the site of a historic Pushkarani (temple tank) belonging to the ancient Bhavani Shankar Temple. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and Hindu organisations have accused local civic authorities of damaging the heritage structure and ignoring repeated formal objections to the project.

The dispute escalated on Saturday when a large protest was staged in front of the Chennapet Garden. Protesters demanded the immediate removal of the newly constructed road and the restoration of the traditional water tank. Prominent figures participating in the demonstration included BJP MLAs Aravind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginkai, MLC Pradeep Shettar, and Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, alongside numerous party leaders and Hindu activists.

Protests Spark Security Concerns and Police Deployment

According to the protesting organisations, the Pushkarani is an integral part of a temple complex that dates back to the Kalyana Chalukya period. They argued that the site should have been protected as a historical and religious heritage landmark. Protesters accused municipal authorities of failing to conduct proper verification of the land's historical status before commencing the roadwork.

Tension mounted in the area when demonstrators attempted to march toward the disputed site with the intention of dismantling the road. This move was opposed by local Dalit and Muslim organisations, who objected to the demand for the road's removal, raising fears of a direct confrontation between the groups.

To maintain order, the police department imposed prohibitory orders within a 500-metre radius of the Bhavani Shankar Temple. More than 1,500 police personnel were deployed to the area to prevent any untoward incidents. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar personally visited the spot to monitor the security arrangements and oversee the deployment.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Alleges Government Appeasement

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi visited the disputed site on Saturday to inspect the Bhavani Shankar Temple in Asar Oni and the road constructed over the temple tank area. Joshi strongly condemned the administration's actions, calling the road construction a serious mistake. He accused the ruling Congress state government of succumbing to pressure and engaging in "appeasement politics" at the cost of protecting heritage temple properties.

Joshi stated that formal objections had been raised during the initial phases of the project, with local representatives urging authorities to halt the work. Despite these warnings, the construction was allowed to proceed. Joshi, who noted that he spent his childhood in this part of old Hubballi, alleged that the temple had faced repeated attacks in the past and expressed deep concern over the preservation of the historic site.

According to the Union Minister, the Bhavani Shankar Temple is approximately 1,400 years old and is situated within a protected zone. Under existing regulations, construction and mining activities are restricted within 100 metres of the temple. Joshi alleged that the roadwork was carried out directly within this restricted zone in violation of those rules.

Demands for Inquiry and Restoration of the Pushkarani

Joshi further questioned the legal validity of the project, claiming that the road construction had not received proper authorization from the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation. He asserted that no official resolution had been passed by the municipal corporation to approve the roadwork. He criticised civic officials for allegedly ignoring representations submitted by the public while the work was underway.

The Union Minister announced that the BJP and associated Hindu organisations would continue their public agitation while simultaneously pursuing legal remedies. He stated that legal action would be initiated against any officials or individuals found to have violated heritage protection rules or damaged protected property once an investigation is conducted.

Protesters and local leaders are demanding that the site be excavated to establish the original boundaries of the Pushkarani and restore it to its historical state. They have called for a detailed survey of the site, a thorough verification of historical and revenue records, and an official clarification regarding the ownership of the land where the road was built.