IIT-R to develop fire-proof cover for Lord Rama

Days after the Supreme Court of India passed the orders to do up the idols of Lord Ram, Janki and Laxman in the much disputed Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-R) has been picked-up for the task.

The apex court has ordered the replacement of "old and worn out" tarpaulin sheet, ropes and other materials with new ones at the makeshift Ram temple. The expert team from the top institute will develop a fire-proof sheet for the idols and is expected to visit the site on 30th August, before it starts on.

Surya Prakash Mishra, Divisional Commissioner Faziabad, and the receiver of the site said, "We have already roped in IIT-R authorities and given them Rs 11.4 lakh as advance to prepare a fire proof cover."

The order, passed by a bench headed by Justice T S Thakur said, "We direct that the authorised person/Commissioner Faizabad is permitted to replace the old and worn out tarpaulin sheet, jute matting, bamboo, polythene sheet and ropes over the makeshift structure by new ones of the same size and quality and exactly in the same manner as they were previously placed."

As per the Divisional Commissioner, the water-proof tarpaulin was installed last year while the fire-proof material was too old and calls for replacement.

Mishra also said that the fire-proof material is easily available in the market for Rs 30-40,000, but, the installation of this material needs an expert and hand and that is why the IIT-R was roped in.

Apart from the tarpaulin sheet, the other substances that would be changed are bamboos, ropes, jute matting, polythene sheets and ropes to protect the makeshift structure.

Moreover, the court had also asked the centre and state governments to provide improved facilities to the pilgrims visiting the site.

The order was passed after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed an application stating that the devotees visiting the Ram Temple were deprived of basic facilities like drinking water and toilets.

Image: indiatimes