Govari river swallows temple

KENDRAPARA: A temple built in 1949 to commemorate the death of Mahatma Gandhi, at Barimula village in the district stares at an uncertain future. On the verge of being swallowed by the Govari river, the temple, with a statue of Gandhi, is a prime example of maladministration.The district administration has remained indifferent to the issue, locals allege.“A few locals had tried to restrict the advancing water with stone embankment.However, the move was opposed by villagers from the opposite bank and the temple was left to perish,” rued president of Orissa Freedom Fighter’s Association of Kendrapara, Purusotama Nayak.Earlier, a large tract of land was earmarked for expansion of the temple. However, it remains unrealised as the river water has slowly engulfed the land. However, the temple has not lost its sheen and is still revered by locals. It is decked up to mark the Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti and is frequented by people from all walks of life.