Govt project work damaged heritage site of Puri temple, ASI informs HC
BHUBANESWAR: A state construction agency might have destroyed the archaeological remains around the 12th century Jagannath temple in Puri by carrying out deep excavations to build a corridor around the world heritage site, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) told Orissa high court on Monday.
“At several locations as seen from the cuttings/section, it is evident that removal of about 15 to 20 feet stratified deposit have taken place, which has caused irreparable damage to the heritage site,” the ASI said.
Protests had erupted in the temple town in past two months over excavations as much as 20ft deep carried out using JCB machines, some of which were just 7 metres from the temple precincts. Puri district administration had said it had approval from the National Monuments Authority (NMA).
No heritage impact assessment studies were conducted before starting construction of the Srimandir Parikrama project, and no ground-penetrating radar survey was conducted to ascertain the archaeological and historical remains lying buried in the subsoil within a 75 metre radius of the centrally protected monument, the ASI said.
“Though the construction work of the project comes within both the prohibited and regulated areas of temple, the managing director of Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation said as on date there is no permission or approval of NMA/competent authority for structural activities and its design of Shree Mandira Parikrama Project,” the affidavit stated.
The high court started hearing the matter after Puri town resident Dilip Baral filed a PIL alleging that constructions has taken place within prohibited zone of 75 metres of the temple.
The ASI’s affidavit was refuted by advocate general Ashok Parija, following which the court asked the state to submit a counter affidavit by June 20.