Heritage Corridor: Panel Headed By Puri’s Gajapati Maharaja Gives Nod To Move Reception Centre Out Of Prohibited Zone

Puri: The Odisha government has decided to shift the proposed reception centre, part of the Puri Heritage Corridor project, out of the prohibited zone of the Jagannath Temple. The area extending 100 metres from the boundary of the 12^th-century temple, a protected monument, constitutes the prohibited zone.

The decision to shift out the reception centre was taken by the Cultural Advisory Committee, headed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, of the heritage corridor project on May 11.

The proposed reception centre will now come up in the regulated zone, the area extending 200 metres from the prohibited zone boundary.

Digging had begun within the prohibited zone for the reception centre but no construction has taken place yet.

On May 9, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the Orissa High Court that the state government has not taken its permission for the heritage corridor project.

During the hearing, the HC was informed that the reception centre will be moved out of the 100-metre prohibited area.

In its affidavit before the HC, the ASI said that foundation trench for the Shree Jagannath Reception Centre (SJRC) has already been excavated in the south-east direction. The DM, Puri, however, told the court that the SJRC will be shifted out of the prohibited limit.

A 600-capacity reception centre, a cultural centre, an integrated command and control centre, a pilgrim centre and a multi-level car parking lot are part of the project, which aims to make Puri an international place of heritage.