Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

In a bid to expedite the Srimandir Parikrama Yojana (Heritage Corridor plan), the Puri district administration on Sunday resumed the eviction drive within the 100-metre radius of the Jagannath temple.

In this phase of the eviction, the old buildings, lying in dilapidated conditions in the vicinity of the temple from Marichakota Chhak till Srimandir office, are being demolished.

As per reports, the old building which used to be the office of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Puri Gajapati in the past is also being demolished. Besides, the information centre (Suchana Kendra) will be evicted and some portions of Languli Matha will also be demolished.

“The Old SJTA building was in dilapidated condition. As the building has been declared unsafe it was a threat to the life and property for the denizens of Puri and other visitors across the globe. Besides, the main aim of the demolition was to construct a new two-storey building with a heritage look which will add to the beauty of the pilgrimage site,” said Prabhat Panigrahi Superintendent Engineer of Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC).

“The new building will serve as the administrative block of Srimandir and all the offices of the temple will function in the block. It will also be used as a viewing gallery for high dignitaries. There will also be provision for parking facilities in the building,” said Panigrahi.

The eviction drive is being carried out in presence of two platoon police forces. As Srimandir is remaining closed on every Sunday in view of the Covid-19, the eviction drive, led by Puri Sub-Collector and two Magistrates, has been intensified.
 

(Edited by Pradeep Singh)

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