Sishupalgarh’s struggle for existence continues as ASI, Odisha Govt looking the other way

With land mafia and influential persons being on a spree to encroach upon the land of Sishupalgarh, the historical place which was once spread over around 563 acres of land has now reduced to just 775 decimals.

Amid Sishupalgarh's struggle for its existence, the light at the end of tunnel came in the form of the Orissa High Court. While hearing a petition filed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently, the Court directed the Odisha government to take steps to evict the encroachers.
   
As per the 1950 Gazette notification, Sishulapalgarh, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city, under Lingipur Panchayat, came up on 562.681 acres. However, due to one or the other reason, this historical place is fast losing its identity. 

While residential houses and buildings have come up around Sishupalgarh with the administration, instead of taking steps to preserve the ancient city, allegedly extending all supports starting from providing water and electricity to the households, its area has now reduced to only 775 decimals. 

Though, coming to its rescue, the State’s top court has already directed the government to free the ancient city from encroachment, the intention of the Odisha government has emerged as a big question. Reportedly, the Sate is yet to take any step in this regard.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Odisha has held the inertia of the State government and ASI responsible for the ancient city’s present pathetic state. 

“What will the government do now when people have already constructed houses, drains and bridges? For this sorry state of affairs, the ASI is responsible. It is always treating Odisha step motherly. We have given a proposal to the state government to formulate its own law to protect the heritage,” rued a member of INTACH, Anil Dhir. 

It was the ASI that had first stumbled upon this around 2,000-year-old city in 1948 while carrying out an excavation. Ancient heritage status was accorded to it on November 13, 1950. 

The excavation resumed in 2005, and it was then the map of the ancient city came to the fore. With eight entrances, this city built with all architectural methods was once called Kalinga Nagar. During Samrat Ashok’s time, it was known as Toshali Nagar. However, with the passage of time, the city was christened after Sishupal King. Thus, it got its name Sishupalgarh. 

The remaining 16 pillars are now standing as mute spectators of the city’s golden era. Local residents say there can be more such pillars buried under the earth. 

“We know nothing about the outer wall, 16 pillars and the garh itself. Resumption of excavation will throw more light on the city,” said a resident. 

“We hope more research and excavation should be done so that more hitherto unknown facts will come to the fore,” observed assistant professor, Department of Ancient Indian History, Vani Vihar, Anam Behera. 

In its reply to the High Court, the ASI said after an eviction drive, the entire 'garh' will be surrounded with a boundary wall at a cost of Rs 81 lakh. 

In this regard, what State Tourism Minister said has left all baffled. “I have no knowledge about encroachment in the historical area. The matter is not coming under my department. However, my department will coordinate with other departments for the ancient city’s resurrection,” said Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi.