Seeks explanation on construction activity in front of Sri Sthalasayanaperumal temple, Mamallapuram.

The Archaeological Survey of India has served notice to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department to explain why construction activity was allowed in front of Sri Sthalasayanaperumal temple, Mamallapuram.

The site, where the construction activity is on, falls within the 100 metres ‘no activity zone’ rule governing Arjunas’ Penance monument and the four pillar mandapam near the bus stand.

However, enquiries revealed that a donor had obtained permission from the HR and CE officials eight years ago for constructing a mandapam at the site.

When the department decided to take up temple renovation a few years ago, the ASI insisted that renovation works should be taken up without damaging or altering the antique value of the Pallava period structure, official sources told The Hindu.

The ASI also prevented the department from constructing a new structure within the temple to feed devotees and renovation of `Bhuthathalwar mandapam’ located outside the temple.

The donor had now started the mandapam construction work for which huge pits were dug for the basement.

Temple authorities said the donor took permission from them only for performing bhoomi puja on August 27 after an assurance that he would submit the proposal for approval by the Department.

Further construction was to be done only after clearance from the department, but work was taken up on September 7, sources said.

The work was stopped, but the donor started work once again on September 11 with support from a section of Mamallapuram residents.

Temple authorities have lodged a complaint at Mamallapuram police station.

Policemen have registered their complaint on the community service register, sources added.