Good News Odisha: Centre To Withdraw NMA Bylaws For Ekamra Kshetra Temples

Ananta Basudeba (top) and Brahmeswar temple in Ekamra Kshetra in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Centre has reportedly decided to withdraw the controversial bylaws by the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for the two ancient temples in Ekamra Kshetra in the city.

“The bylaws on Brahmeswar and Ananta Basudeba temples will be withdrawn soon,” informed Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Pratap Sarangi on Sunday.

Sarangi clarified that the NMA bylaws that triggered an uproar were only a draft notification and not a final order.

“Like the heritage bylaws were framed for Puri Jagannath temple, the NMA prepared the draft notification for two temples in Bhubaneswar. We have discussed this matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel. An order has been given to the NMA to withdraw the draft bill,” he told the media.

Opposing the bylaws, he said that the draft notification should not have been circulated in this manner.

“A draft notification has been prepared seeking public opinion for enforcing construction restrictions around national monuments. Before preparing the draft the NMA should have consulted others. However, the Union Culture Minister has already ordered to withdraw the controversial bylaws for two ancient temples,” he said.

Sarangi’s statement came amid protests by servitors of the Lingaraj Temple as well as residents demanding immediate withdrawal of the heritage bylaws on Ananta Basudeba Temple and Brahmeswar Temple.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had also urged the Centre for roll-back of the controversial bylaws for the two ancient temples in Ekamra Kshetra.

Also Read: Withdraw NMA Bylaws For Ekamra Kshetra Shrines: Odisha MPs Urge Union Minister