No ASI nod to Srimandir heritage corridor project, reveals RTI reply

Amid raging controversy over construction activities being undertaken by the Odisha government near Puri Jagannath temple under the heritage corridor project, an RTI reply has revealed that no permission has been accorded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out the works.

The information furnished by the office of the superintending archeologist, ASI, Bhubaneswar in response to an RTI application revealed that 'No such permission is accorded by the ASI, Bhubaneswar circle on the construction of Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor, Shree Jagannath temple, Puri, Odisha."

The ASI while furnishing the information to the applicant has enclosed a letter of the proposals related to Shree Mandira Parikrama Project submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri. However, the ASI claimed that it has not accorded any permission the State government to take up the execution of the project.

The RTI reply further stated that no such advise, stipulation and guideline has been given by the ASI, Bhubaneswar circle on the execution of the project. 

"The covering letter of the proposals related to the heritage corridor project stated that Srimandir administration had submitted the proposal along with HIA report to the ASI on April 6, 2022 even though nearly one year has already passed since the commencement of the construction works," Singh said.