The Jajpur district administration on Tuesday began eviction around Maa Biraja Temple as a part of the renovation and beautification project of the shrine.
However, the servitors whose homes have been razed have already been compensated with land as per the government provision.
As per reports, the admin demolished shops and houses in the 90-feet radius of the temple. Huge police force was deployed on the spot in order to tackle any untoward incident that may arise during the drive.
The state government had sanctioned a whopping Rs 38.14 crore in the first phase for land acquisition under the ambitious development and beautification project of Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur district in April last year.
The state government is all set to beautify the temple and its campus like other heritage sites of the state. The project will give a facelift to the shrine, encircling 54 Shiva temples, Muktimandap, Dolamandap, Ananda Bazaar, and shops in and around its premises.
Sources said this fund will also be utilised for the construction of the temple administration building along with modern amenities for the visitors. The target is to beautify the temple on the lines of Puri Srimandir and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. A master plan has already been prepared for the purpose.