ASI starts work to evict encroachments

Puri: Acting as per the directive of Orissa High Court on April 24, Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the district administration on Saturday begun its process to evict encroachments and demolish the Pratihari Nijog office located adjacent to Sri Jagannath Temple here.

Sources said earlier in the day a team of ASI officials led by chief archeologist Bhuban Bikram with the help of security personnel took measurements from ‘Simha Murti’ of the 12th century shrine to evict illegal encroachments.

Notably, Orissa High Court on April 24 had directed SJTA and the district administration to vacate the Pratihari Nijog office located near the Singhadwar (main entrance gate) of the temple within 14 days and to clear all encroachments. Besides, the SJTA was asked to clear unauthorised encroachments within 10 feet of the four entrance gates of the temple.