Impact Assessment Underway For Land Acquisition Around Srimandir

Puri: While a social impact assessment survey on the decision to clear structures within 75 metre radius of Jagannath temple in Puri is underway, resentment is still brewing among a section of residents over the move of the government.

The survey was launched by the State Revenue and Disaster Management department on Monday. Five teams of the department began the survey from Chudanga Sahi Mouza near the North Gate of Srimandir.

Under the survey, the officials are vising door to door and collecting feedbacks from the families who will be displaced due to the eviction. Besides, the officials are informing the families about the rehabilitation, resettlement and compensation policy of the government.

According to sources, designated patches of lands in residential areas of Baseli Sahi, Manikarnika Sahi, Kalikadevi Sahi, Chudanga Sahi and Dolamandap Sahi will be acquired.

While some residents expressed disappointment over the move, some others are happy with the development proposal.

Reacting to the move of the government, a resident said, “We are not happy with the package announced by CM Naveen Patnaik. The residential areas around Srimandir are invaluable. We are lucky that we are living in this area of the pilgrim city. The government should provide best compensation price to the ones who will be displaced.”

“We have already written to the government to provide us rehabilitation and resettlement first. Once we get all the compensation, we will vacate our house. I suffered huge loss during 2015 Nabakalebara when the government acquired 30 feet of land near Srimandir. The government owes me Rs 70 lakh so I request it to make arrangements to provide the money before this eviction,” said Naba Sahu, another resident.