Will Encroachment Issues Affect the Upcoming Rath Yatra at Kendrapara's Baladevjew Temple?

Concerns Over Funding for Rath Yatra

Kendrapara: As the Rath Yatra at the Lord Baladevjew Temple in Ichhapur approaches, concerns are rising among temple officials and devotees regarding potential funding shortages due to ongoing encroachments on temple property.

The encroachment has led to a blockage of funds necessary for the rituals and festivities, as highlighted in recent reports.

With the Rath Yatra scheduled for June 27, the ceremonial selection of timber for the chariot, known as 'Brahma Taladhwaja', was conducted during Akshaya Tritiya.

However, the annual costs for organizing the rituals, including the Rath Yatra, have surged by Rs 50 lakh, creating a significant financial strain on the temple's ability to host the annual celebrations and other events throughout the year.

Currently, the temple relies on donations, auction proceeds from temple shops, and offerings, but these sources are proving insufficient.

Local devotees and stakeholders believe that recovering the encroached lands could greatly enhance the temple's financial situation.

Pratap Kumar Mohanty, an RTI activist, noted that a 1974 state government order allocated 866.99 acres of land to Lord Baladevjew under the Endowment Act.

Despite paying land revenue and water taxes, over 100 acres remain illegally occupied, with 232 acres held by former tenants and 117.35 acres by individuals known as 'Sikimi' tenants.

Currently, no revenue from these lands is being contributed to the endowment trust fund, with only 146 acres under the trust board generating any income.

Unfortunately, these funds are primarily directed towards another temple in Kusiapala, leaving little for the Baladevjew Temple.

The temple itself occupies 2.2 acres, with additional land for the Ratha Danda, a cattle market, and a pond, while the remaining 160 acres yield no income.

The 192.86 acres of cultivable land directly managed by the temple produce a mere 350 sacks of paddy each year.

Mohanty pointed out that the costs for land taxes and water charges far exceed the income generated.

Papun Kumar Swain, president of the Baladev Sena, recalled a 2007 meeting led by the then Law Minister, which directed the District Collector to reclaim the encroached land.

However, nearly two decades later, no significant action has been taken, with locals attributing the stagnation to both administrative inaction and the temple trust board's negligence.

Servitors including Gagan Patri, Nrusingha Prasad Patri, Jyotiranjan Patri, and Shashikant Suar emphasized that the daily rituals and festivals require consistent funding exceeding Rs 50 lakh annually.

They argue that the current funding from public donations and auction proceeds is inadequate.

Given the cultural and religious significance of Tulasi Kshetra, devotees are urging the state government to create a dedicated administrative body to oversee temple operations.

Such a move is believed to be essential for ensuring the smooth execution of rituals and traditions.

Arun Kumar Nayak, the Sub-Collector and current chairman of the Trust Board, confirmed that efforts are being made to recover the encroached lands.