Cuttack, Jul 6: Even before the renovation work of the iconic Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple has been completed, persistent monsoon rains have exposed alleged construction flaws, raising fresh concerns over the quality of work executed under the ₹58.18-crore integrated development project.
Water leakage has been reported from the temple's newly constructed Natamandap following two days of continuous rainfall. Similar seepage has also been noticed in the Shiva Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Surya Temple within the temple complex, sparking questions over the durability and workmanship of the ongoing project.
The main shrine and several allied structures are still under construction and the renovated temple has not yet been formally handed over. However, the leakage from newly built portions has triggered criticism over the quality of the project, whose cost has steadily escalated over the past four years.
For years, the Cuttack Chandi Temple used to remain waterlogged during heavy rains as the shrine was situated nearly 2.5 feet below the road level, forcing authorities to use pumps to drain accumulated rainwater. The redevelopment project has largely addressed the waterlogging issue by raising the temple premises above road level and improving the drainage system.
However, while the flooding problem appears to have been resolved, the latest spell of rain has exposed a new concern—water seepage from the roofs of the newly constructed structures.
The incident comes just days after the temple's Dadhinauti (crowning structure) was reportedly damaged following a lightning strike. The latest leakages have further intensified concerns over the quality and longevity of the renovation work.
Notably, the project had earlier courted controversy over allegations that cement was being used instead of traditional stone-binding materials and adhesives during construction. The fresh seepage from the Natamandap has once again brought the execution standards under scrutiny.
Temple Manager Kiran Sahu said the issue has been brought to the notice of the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC), the executing agency. Since the project has not yet been completed or officially handed over to the temple administration, the responsibility for rectifying the defects rests with OBCC, he said, adding that the agency has been asked to undertake complete repairs.
The integrated development project for the presiding deity of Cuttack received administrative approval on May 19, 2022. The Odisha government initially sanctioned ₹42 crore for the project in September 2022. The revised project cost was increased to ₹51.87 crore in February 2023 and was further enhanced to ₹58.18 crore in January 2026.
The project has been implemented in two phases. The first phase included construction of a servitors' facilitation centre, information centre, shops, prasada hall, Yajna Mandap, circumambulatory pathway, Shiva Temple, four entrance gates, Batamangala Temple and other infrastructure. Construction of the main temple began in August 2024 under the second phase after delays and several controversies slowed progress.
With the project still incomplete and reports of water leakage emerging from newly built structures, concerns are mounting among devotees and residents over whether adequate quality standards have been maintained in one of Odisha's most significant temple redevelopment projects.
