Padyatra Against Heritage Corridor In Puri Called Off

Puri: The Srimandir Banchao Abhiyan has called off the padyatra called by it in protest against heritage corridor project in Puri on Wednesday.

Speaking to media persons here, convener of the Abhiyan Binay Nrusingha Mohapatra said they have suspended the proposed padyatra as district collector did not grant permission for it.

The Abhiyan had planned to take out padyatra from Gundicha temple to Jagannath temple as a mark of protest against the state government’s heritgae corridor around Jagannath temple.

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi was also scheduled to participate in the padyatra. But district collector Samarth Verma turned down the application for permission to take out the padyatra on the ground of law and order.

“Since the padyatra will not be carried out, we will hold a meeting to decide our next course of action on the issue,” said Mohapatra after a meeting with the collector.

Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb on Monday said the heritage corridor project posed no threat to the 12th-century temple and sought the cooperation of everyone for smooth implementation of the project.

It may be noted that the project has run into a controversy due extensive digging and construction being carried out around the protected monument. Opposition parties, lawyers and several organisations have raised objections to it.

Also Read: ASI Has Not Given Permission To Puri Heritage Corridor Project, Reveals RTI Reply; Check Details