As locals fail to keep surroundings clean, authorities ‘lock’, reopen two temples in Moradabad

BAREILLY: Three days after the sealing of two temples situated in public parks for "failing to keep their surroundings clean", the Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) allowed their reopening with the warning that it would be residents’ responsibility to keep the area free of litter.
Madhusudan Hulgi, MDA vice-chairman, said, “Garbage was found strewn around the temples located in New Moradabad’s Sector 16 on Delhi road and Sector 13.Despite repeated warnings to residents, no one paid any heed and we had to lock the two temples. The action was taken in order to create awareness among residents regarding cleanliness and to also send out a message that action will be taken if they do not keep their surrounding areas clean.”
The MDA officials said three days ago, during an inspection, garbage was found littered in the area around the temples, following which they were locked.
Officials said several residents staged protests against the MDA’s action. The temples were thrown open on Thursday and prayers were offered in the premises.