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Bhubaneswar: The discovery of remains of a temple and other structures near the Suka-Sari temple complex, close to Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar has not only created a buzz but also caught the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
A team of ASI led by the Joint Director General (Archaeology) Sanjay Kumar Manjul on Thursday took stock of the ongoing Ekamra Kshetra Beautification project and other ancillary works at Lingaraj temple.
On allegations that Odisha government violated several guidelines on the pretext of carrying out the much-hyped Ekamra Kshetra development project, Manjul said, "We are inspecting the works and only after a detailed review we can say what works needs to be undertaken. Today, we have visited Lingaraj and nearby areas."
It is pertinent to mention here that the developmental works were initiated here by the Odisha government in 2019. It is alleged that all the norms were violated and the works were undertaken without prior approval of ASI even though the periphery comes under the purview of the central agency.
Several structures and artefacts were allegedly damaged during such excavation work by heavy machinery.
INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) also alleged that the government had not taken any expert advice prior to the excavation.
Also Read: Ekamra Kshetra Project: Odisha Govt Went On Excavation Spree Without Approval, Says ASI
"It is premature to say anything now as we are just visiting the areas. We will take up the matter with the State government officials soon,"Manjul added.
The remains of an ancient temple floor on the north-west corner of Suka Sari temple were found by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Bhubaneswar recently. The remnants of the unearthed structure are believed to have been built during the era of the Somavanshi kingdom between the 10th and 11th centuries.
In a letter to Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Pralhad Singh Patel, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had urged to direct ASI to send an expert team to Bhubaneswar for carrying out a detailed study and thorough scientific excavation of the Ekamra Kshetra area of Bhubaneswar for unearthing heritage structures which may be buried under encroachments on an expedient basis.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
