Four years on, the Devine Project awaits Green Signal
Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 29, 2024
The ambitious Venkateshwara Temple Project, considered to be one of the largest ‘truly community projects,’ is expected to reach shortly the final stages of planning following the completion of the initial formalities and compliance procedures, following which a formal Application for Resource Consent will be lodged.
Stringent Procedures
The Project, which currently awaits Public Notification, can be expected to be given the nod for construction soon. Since the large plot of land (more than 11 acres) was purchased in Ramarama, to the South of Auckland in late February 2021, promoters Indra and Manasa Sirigiri have undertaken significant work and cost to get the Building Plan approved. Their efforts included engagement with iwis and neighbours to obtain their consent, intensive discussions with planners, architects, architectural designers (including the Temple Architects in India), ecologists, prime soil testers, civil engineers, acoustics experts, traffic planners, landscapers and meetings with the officials of Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and other agencies. The exercises have given them an insight into the provisions of the Resource Management Act and discussions that are being held to make amendments to many of its provisions.
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“We are happy that we have undertaken this project in service of our communities. We are encouraged by the friendly attitude of officials at the Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and other agencies. We have taken all the steps required by them to meet the ecological, environmental and public safety standards. Based on the indications that we have received the Project is likely on public notification in the next few weeks,” Mr Sirigiri said.
He said that all other back-office work such as the formation of the Board of Trustees, Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust and related jobs have been completed.
“We await the final word from the Auckland Council to take up the first stage of construction,” he said.
Community Welfare
Mr Sirigiri said that the Temple Project will be for the benefit of all communities and that it will account for various services and facilities.
“We propose to conduct regular Poojas (perhaps from early next year) that will bring together people to recite Vishnu Sahasranamam and other religious activities. The success of a Project of this magnitude will be dependent on the patronage and financial contributions of our people. All of us will leave a legacy for the future generations. The formation of an entity Sri Venkateswara Devasthanam (SVD) was the first step in the ambitious journey to build a new home for the Lord in Auckland,” he said.
A Special Pooja, commemorating the Second Saturday of the auspicious month of Purattasi (or Puratasi) was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in the presence of religious and community leaders at the property of the Temple,
Mr Sirigiri said that the Temple will be run by the communities in Auckland and that it will conform to tenets of integrity, honesty, accountability and transparency.
“This has been our dear Project for more than 25 years and will serve the needs of our people in Auckland and other cities. We are looking forward to the involvement of young people to learn our heritage and undertake voluntary work in the service of society,” he said.
Further details about the Temple Project, public contributions and other information can be obtained from Indra Sirigiri on 021460470; Email: isirigiri.svd@gmail.com
