Demolition of Dilapidated Structures Continues in Puri

Puri: After few days of pause, the district authorities have again resumed the demolition work of the dilapidated structures around the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Amidst strict security, the workers today started the demolition process of the Bada Akhada Matha. The work is continuing in the presence of six Magistrates and 12 platoons of Police force.  Initially, more than 35 shops situated in the Matha are being removed. However, the administration has said that the Gadisthali of the Bada Akhada Matha and the Hanuman Temple will not be removed.

The administration had paused the eviction process after a few Sadhus has raised their concerns regarding rehabilitation. The district authorities have held discussions with all stakeholders and assured that they will be rehabilitated and all the heritage associated with the Matha’s will be preserved. Amicus Curiae Ranjit Kumar had yesterday gave a thumbs up to the government’s efforts of transforming Puri. He had endorsed the government’s steps taken to clear the area around the Temple and called for cooperation from all for this.