On the margin: Last standing temple awaits promised funds

Krishna Mandir in Kabari Bazaar is the only worship place for Hindus in the twin cities.

RAWALPINDI:

Though the Evacuee Trust Property Board is “earning millions of rupees monthly” from the property left behind by Hindus after partition, there is apparently no money to spend on their welfare, complained members of the Hindu community.

Some Rs500,000 approved in 2012 for the installation of a submersible water pump at the Krishna temple have yet to be released.

“Our requests to release the money have fallen on deaf ears,” said Ashish Kumar.



Krishna Temple in Kabari Bazaar, Saddar, is the only worship place for the Hindus in the twin cities.

A water tank outside the temple needs repair. “The tank cannot be used for storage,” said Kumar.

Currently, the cantonment board is supplying water to the temple, but during summers, the supply decreases. Besides, we have to purchase drinking water for all festivals, he added

People who come from other cities during the festivals also face shortages of water for cooking, washing and drinking.

The problem has persisted for the last two decades, but no steps have been taken to address the issue, according to the community.

“The money they earn from the building should be spent on its upkeep,” demanded Kavita, a local resident.



Pakistan Hindu-Sikh Social Welfare Council President Jag Mohan Arora said that the officials in charge blamed the contractor.

“’The contractor is not ready to implement the project.’ This is the answer, I receive every time I call Assistant Engineer Arif Butt, who approved the fund. Now he has even stopped answering my calls,” Arora said.

When asked why the contractor has not been blacklisted if the work was subpar, Arora claimed the same contractor has been awarded several other contracts.

“Funds are approved and released in no time if they need new air conditioners at their office,” complained Arora.

Hindus from the area urged the government to address the problems facing the community.

Arif Butt could not be reached despite repeated attempts for his comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2014.