Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project: Odisha Minister Says Govt Ready To Form Panel To Survey Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project work will not have any impact on the Jagannath Temple in Puri said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh in Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.

The Minister was responding to the Opposition’s demand for the formation of a House Committee after the Assembly resumed business at 4 pm. Arukh said the Government is prepared to constitute a committee.

Earlier, during the day, Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi raised the issue in the Assembly and said the corridor work was causing damage to the structure.

Sarangi said the government will be held accountable if there is any damage to the 12th-century shrine in the name of development. The temple has developed cracks due to vibration, he added.

Stating that no one is protesting against the temple’s development, Sarangi said several people have given up their land and property for the development of the project and the government should pay attention to the safety of the temple which is attached to the sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide.

He claimed that neither the Archaeological Survey of India nor the National Monuments Authority has given approval for any permanent structures at the site.

Questioning the government’s concern for the temple, whose structure he claimed had become weak, Sarangi demanded the formation of a committee of the Legislative Assembly to conduct a survey and find out the truth.

Senior Congress MLA Narasingha Mishra, on the other hand, also raised the issue and demanded the formation of a House committee. Unhappy with the Speaker’s response to the demand, BJP members staged a protest in the well of the House. The Speaker had to adjourn the House until 4 pm.

It may be mentioned here that the Puri Parikrama project envisages the development of mutts, a Shree Jagannath reception centre, amenities for devotees and enhanced security within a 75-metre radius of the shrine.

Excavation works within the 100-meter radius of the temple are in progress on all sides of the temple, North, South and West. The excavation has raised serious questions as Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act clearly states that no such activities can be carried out within the 100-meter radius of any historic site.

Also Read: Know All About The Heritage Corridor & Parikrama Marg In Puri