Puri, Aug 7 : After a long interval the puri administration commenced the demolition drive
for the heritage corridor of Sri Jagannath temple.
The eviction and clearing of all structures situated within 75 metres around the Meghanad
prachir of the temple resumed on Saturday.
Today three buildings situated at the South West corner of the corridor on private plots
were demolished using JCB machines.
A platoon of police personnel were deployed at the site and Sub collector Bhabataran
Sahu monitored the demolition operation.
Earlier, an amicable settlement over compensation amount was finalized with the building
owners.
The heritage corridor of Sri Jagannath temple, a dream project of Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik to transform the abode of lord Jagannath into an international place of heritage,
has been delayed by almost a year due to covid pandemic.
The Administration is facing trouble in clearing the area of all structures as owners are
bargaining for more compensation and suitable plots near the Srimandir..
Till date about 95 percent of the required land has been acquired while a number of
buildings are yet to be demolished, Puri Sub Collector Bhabataran Sahu said.
He said the demolition work, stopped due to covid pandemic, is being executed now.
UNI
