The development of the iconic Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple continues at a sluggish pace, with the project missing five deadlines over the past three years. Despite this extended timeline, even 50 percent of the work is yet to be completed. The ongoing construction and disarray have caused significant inconvenience to devotees, who struggle to have a proper glimpse of the deity amidst the debris and incomplete structures.

Devotees Struggle Amid Unfinished Work

The current state of the temple paints a disheartening picture. Maa is being worshipped in a broken and dilapidated structure. The temple premises are cluttered with sand, gravel, and stones, while disorganisation reigns throughout. Devotees are facing difficulties accessing the sanctum due to incomplete construction. Though the work has been ongoing for three years, its pace remains slow, raising concerns among the public.

One of the devotees shared her woes and said, “It pains me to see the temple in such a state. We live in well-maintained homes, but the Goddess’ temple is almost in ruins, which deeply saddens me. I truly hope the repairs are completed at the earliest.”

Chandrasekhar Sahoo, a resident of Cuttack said, “It’s heartbreaking to see Maa Cuttak Chandi’s temple like this for the last three years. I can’t understand the delay in repair work. Even the devotees don’t have proper space to stand or perform the aarti. Every day we witness the incomplete construction, it’s truly disheartening.”

Rs 70-Crore Project Delayed by Design Changes

The development project, sanctioned in 2022 with an approved budget of Rs 70 crore, included the construction of the boundary wall, Bhog Mandap, Jagamohan, Yagna Mandap and kitchen. However, repeated changes to the architectural plans have led to substantial delays. Allegations have also surfaced about the substandard quality of the completed portions, with walls of newly constructed shop rooms already showing cracks.

Sukant Mohanty, vice president of Cuttak Chandi Surakhya Committee said, “The Shiva temple was relocated citing Vastu-related concerns, but there have been no further inspections since. The temple should be built using glue to join the stones, but they’re using cement instead. It hurts us to see such construction flaws. They’re even building a kitchen using white bricks.”

Collector Promises Completion by December

Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, Cuttack Collector, said, “The major issues have already been resolved. At present, we are working on two components of the main temple. The stonework is being carried out at the Bali Jatra Field, and piling is underway at the temple site, the machinery for that has already arrived. The repair work is progressing regularly and will be reviewed by the end of the year. After I assumed charge, we set a clear deadline and are sticking to it. The main temple work will be completed by December.”

In contrast to other major Shakti Peeths in the state that were developed within one and a half years, the prolonged delay at Cuttack Chandi Temple has raised public dissatisfaction. While acknowledging the delay, the District Collector has assured that the remaining work will be completed by December. Devotees and residents of Cuttack, however, continue to question the long-standing setbacks.