Saswat Singhdeo

Puri: After taking a jibe at the Odisha government on social media over demolition in 75 metre area around Puri Srimandir, former BJD MP Tathagata Satpathy once again criticised the move today and said that no one has the right to demolish structures of historical significance.

The former BJD MP questioned whether action should be taken or not against those who had been giving permission for the construction of these structures. Satpathy said that due to such a mistake at the executive level we all have to regret in the future.

"I would like to know who gave permission for construction of illegal structures. Will any action be taken against the Municipality authorities including the people who held important posts? I don't think any government or court has the right to demolish the historic structures of the state," Satpathy said.

No comments could be obtained from the concerned authorities over Satpathy's observations.

Earlier on Sunday, the former MP took to Twitter and wrote: “Demolitions around Puri Lord Jagannath Temple may not be ‘illegal’ but certainly uncouth & uncaring. Hundreds of years old Mutts and edifices, instead of being protected are now razed. I prefer Rome-type preservation to a Benares style destruction.”

“Easy to destroy, very difficult to create. Puri Emaar Mutt was built in 1200 AD. Now ruined. Wonder why we Indians do not appreciate our past and blame all our faults on ancestors. I feel we are creating an uglier history now," Satpathy had tweeted.

Satpathy had also shared pictures showing how Emar Mutt and Grand Road in Puri looked in the early 1900s, mentioning “Preservation of heritage helps culture live for future generations to understand and relish.”

 

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