CHENNAI: The Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department has cancelled 46 temple-linked infrastructure projects worth Rs 245.85 crore that had been announced but were yet to take off, citing court-related hurdles and concerns over the financial burden on temples. The funds will be used for improving temple premises and amenities for devotees.The scrapped projects include 29 marriage halls estimated at Rs 115.77 crore and 17 commercial complexes worth Rs 130.08 crore. Administrative approvals granted for these works have now been withdrawn, according to an official release. “Some of the projects are marriage halls in Palani, Oddanchatram and Pudukottai, and a commercial complex in Tiruvannamalai among others,” said an HR&CE official.The official said several of the proposed projects remained on paper and had not entered the execution stage. He added that legal issues, including court orders affecting some projects, and the financial implications for temples were among the reasons for the decision.Officials said the funds earmarked for the projects would instead be redirected towards new initiatives aimed at improving temple infrastructure and services for devotees. “Over the years, marriage halls and commercial complexes have been proposed as revenue-generating assets for temples. However, concerns have often been raised about the viability of such projects and the financial commitments they require from temple administrations,” the official added.With the cancellation of the projects, the HR&CE department is expected to announce alternative projects that directly benefit temples and worshippers. Details of the new projects are likely to be released in the coming months.
