Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 21: The demand from the devotees and Hindu Jagarana Vedike to ban all kinds of quarrying and mining activities around the historically famous Karinja temple got a shot in the arm when the preliminary meeting organized by Hindu Jagarana Vedike received the support of the religious heads from Dakshina Kannada district.

Sri Vidyaprasanna Theeertha Swamiji of Subrahmanya Math, Sri Mohanadasa Swamiji of Manila. Sri Rajashekharananda Swamiji of Vajradehi Math, Sri Vidyananda Saraswathi, Matashree of Shivajnana Mandira Chilimbi and Taponidhi Nagasadhu Vittalagiri Maharaj inspected the problems created in the temple area because of quarrying.

Addressing a press meet later, Subrahmanya Swamiji noted that the temple premises are facing danger because of use of explosives for undertaking mining in the area. He said that the outer wall surrounding the temple, and the building meant for distribution of food have developed cracks. He said that mining activity should not be undertaken in a radius of six km and it would be the right step if a ten km area is declared as a religiously sensitive area.

Manila Mohanadasa Swamij asked the government to find a suitable solution before the religious heads enter the fray in support of the demand to ban mining in the area. Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji said that the temple is situated on a rock and therefore mining should be banned by the deputy commissioner.

Temple executive committee president, Chandrsashekhra Shetty, said that the godown where explosives are stored is located under the base of this temple, which poses great danger to the temple structure. Hindu Jagarana Vedike leaders who had set December 20 deadline to suspend all kinds of quarrying activities, plan to lay siege to the office of the deputy commissioner at Mangaluru at 11 am on Tuesday.