Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Monday questioned demolition of ancient mutts and other heritage structures near Lingaraj temple by the Odisha government in the name of beautification of the shrine.
Sarangi today visited the excavation sites near Lingaraj temple on the invitation of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
"ASI and Sevayats informed that three ancient Mathas and many other heritage structures were demolished for beautification. Mindless! Which heritage conservationist advised the state govt? Heritage devt thro Heritage destruction," Sarangi questioned the State government.
The parliamentarian opined that conservation of heritage and development should go together within the prescribed norms. "Got to know that many heritage structures were lying underneath-in the prohibited zone. What a treasure! Conservation of Heritage & Development shd go together within rules," the BJP MP wrote on Twitter.
In another tweet, she stated that mindless development is injurious. "We all support Development. Development is good, but MINDLESS Development is injurious," she wrote.
Earlier on February 27, the Bhubaneswar MP had termed bulldozing of some age-old mutts around the Puri Jagannath Temple as illegal and sought clarification from the State government.
Speaking on the sideline of a free eye treatment camp, Sarangi expressed disappointment over demolishing Emar mutt, Raghunandan Library, Uttar Parswa Mutt, Dakhin Parswa mutt and other monuments and said development of Srimandir should be done as per the NMA and ASI guidelines.
On the other hand, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday alleged that some people are spreading false information on the peripheral development of Srimandir and NMA bylaws.
Holding a meeting with servitors of Srimandir at Puri Circuit House, Pradhan donated Rs 1 lakh to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration for the development of Srimandir and Sri Kshetra. He also appealed others to join hands for this holy cause.
"Lord Jagannath is the centre of faith for all Hindus. It is our collective responsibility to work towards the development and promotion of the Jagannath Culture—which is synonymous with the belief and identity of all Hindus across the globe, including 4.5 crore Odias in Odisha," Pradhan wrote on Twitter.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)