Trucks laden with wood for Rath Yatra detained

Nayagarh: Two trucks loaded with wood for construction of chariots for Puri Rath Yatra were detained by the members of Mahaveer Sena at Daspalla in Nayagarh district today.

The Sena activists alleged that felling of trees from Daspalla forest has led to massive deforestation in the area. No measures have been taken for afforestation, they said.

The Sena had earlier demanded a wheel of Lord Jagannath's chariot after Rath Yatra and Sri Jagannath Temple administration reportedly paid no heed to their demand.

 “We have been demanding a wheel of Rath for last three years. The temple authorities provided the same to some outfits of Nayagarh and other places of the State, but Daspalla's demand was not fulfilled though it provides wood for the major portion of the chariots," a Sena member said.

What steps have been taken to create new forests, he asked. Not a single piece of wood will be given until the demands are met, he added.