Wrong to go ahead with Srimandir Parikrama Project sans DPR: Parliamentary Committee

It is not right on part of the Odisha government to continue construction under the Srimandir Parikrama Project without the Detailed Project Report (DPR), said Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, member of the Parliamentary Committee under the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The 22-member committee headed by TG Venkatesh visited the Srimandir in Puri on Thursday. The ADG of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) was also present with the team.

“The work should be undertaken after taking ASI into confidence. It is ASI’s prerogative to decide if the construction is safe for the Temple or not. It is wrong to undertake any project without DPR,” said Chhatrapati adding that he will look into the matter.

Another member of the Committee, Ram Das Chadda said, “The State government and the Union government should work together for the development of Puri.”

Meanwhile, Odisha Speaker, Surjya Narayan Patro spoke on the House Committee formed to resolve the dispute around the Parikrama Project. “There is no problem in calling a meeting of the House Committee, but the matter is in the court. We are analysing the situation and if it is possible for the House Committee to intervene in a sub judice matter, I will call a meeting soon.”

“Srimandir has an emotional attachment with all the Jagannath devotees across the globe. A team from Delhi (Parliamentary Committee) is already here,” Patro added.