ANANTAPUR: Archaeological protected monuments and properties are under encroachment in the state. The Archaeology department is struggling to clear encroachments. About 90 structures, mostly temples, are under the control of state Archaeology department. The 12th century’s historic Sri Rama temple in Pedda Tumbalam village in Adoni mandal in Kurnool district is awaiting clearance from the Revenue department to demarcate boundary. Historians believe the temple was built by the Pandavas while the temple got a facelift during Second Pulakesi regime in 1107.

The temple has great sculpture located in 0.55 acres of extent and also 30 acres of land closer to temple in 226 Survey Number. The historic temple has been listed among state archaeological monuments after getting denotified by the Central Archaeological department a few decades ago. Due to lack of proper maintenance, the surrounding land was encroached by various sections of people and a mosque was also built within the temple land.

The Hindu Dharma Raksha Samithi has initiated steps to enlighten people about the historic temple, which lies in the interior rural parts. The Samithi represented the government various times to clear the encroachments and to give them opportunity to develop surrounding areas of the temple to attract devotees. A team from the assistant director’s office of the state Archaeological department Anantapur had inspected several times and formally marked the encroachments. At least 200 houses, including a darga-mosque, shall be removed to clear the encroachments as per the Act, an official said and further added “we sent detailed report to the government about the sensitive situation”.

The state archaeological director also sent a letter to the Kurnool district administration seeking assistance to clear the encroachments. The Revenue authorities have to give marking based on available village map. Sri Rama temple had 30 acres of land. Mr Ramanjaneyulu, Hindu Dharma Raksha Samithi member, stressed upon the need to clear encroachments as the Archaeology department was delaying the task.

As per the Act, no construction within 100 metres of the protected monument is permitted while many encroachments exist closer to the temple. Similarly, the Central Archeological department reportedly failed to clear encroachments at Penukonda, summer capital of Vijayanagar in the district. A multi-storied building, ashram of self styled godman Kaleswar was built closer to ancient temples and monuments. The department had served more than 300 notices in Penukonda area alone, but no action was initiated.