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After a long gap, the eviction drive for the Srimandira Parikarama Yojana (Heritage Corridor) resumed at Baseli Sahi area, in the vicinity of the 12th century shrine, in Puri on Saturday.
The demolition exercise is being carried out today in presence of a magistrate and other administrative officials. Three private buildings have been demolished with due formalities and consent of the owners in the final phase of the eviction works.
“We had halted the eviction drive due to the Covid pandemic situation. The exercise has resumed now. We took up three private buildings after paying due compensation to the owners. Out of seven structures to be demolished, five are in Baseli Sahi area. The owners of the buildings have already received their compensations through direct purchase mode,” said Bhabataran Sahoo, the Sub-collector of Puri.
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Some residents whose houses fall under the government project area are not willing to vacate. “As the government has not fulfilled its own promise of compensation, we will not vacate the place,” one of the project-affected residents said.
As per the Srimandira Parikarama Plan, the area within 75-metres around the Shree Jagannath Temple will be transformed into a heritage corridor to attract tourists from across the country.
The project envisages a 7-metre green buffer zone adjacent to the Meghanad Prachira (temple wall) followed by a 10-metre-long Antar Parikrama which will be used for the ceremonial procession of the deities.
Besides, there will also be an 8-metre-long outer pradikshyan for devotees and a 10-metre public conveyance zone having restrooms, drinking water fountain, information-cum-donation kiosks and shelter pavilions.
According to reports, the government has already acquired 95 per cent of land required for the project. The district administration has geared up acquire the rest of the lands.
