Encroachment at Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar: Orissa High Court expresses concern, orders personal appearance of officials

Expressing concern over encroachments surrounding the historically significant Khandagiri caves on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the Orissa High Court has directed the Khordha district Collector, Bhubaneswar DCP and superintending archaeologist of ASI (Bhubaneswar Circle) to appear personally before the Court.

The Court further directed the officials to come up with their proposed schemes for the removal of encroachments from the protected site. The Court expressed hope that the officials will hold a meeting to chalk out a plan to assist the Court before they appear on October 8.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho expressed concerns about the unauthorised encroachments in and around the Khandagiri caves that are of immense historical and archaeological importance. As per the bench, it is a matter of serious concern that requires immediate attention before the situation worsens further.

“They shall be required to be personally present in Court with their proposed schemes for removal of encroachment from the protected site. We expect them to hold a meeting to chalk out a plan to assist the Court,” the bench said.

Notably, the High Court directed the officials on the basis of a PIL filed by a Cuttack-based organisation- Shree Khandagiri Udaygiri Digambara Jain Siddha Khetra seeking judicial intervention against the unauthorised encroachments at the protected site.