Puri: Amid the row over the construction under Srimandir Parikrama project, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintendent Archaeologist Arun Mallick visited Puri Jagannath temple today.
Reportedly, ASI Mallick visited the temple to inspect the project site.
He carried out an on-the-spot inspection in the presence of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Vir Vikram Yadav.
It is to be noted that Orissa High Court had clarified that the Shri Mandir Heritage Corridor work shall continue. The order of the High Court further clarified that the State Government and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will supervise and work in tandem for the construction.
The High Court order placed on record the Advocate General (AG)’s submission that the State will work in cooperation with ASI. The AG also said that the reception centre of the Heritage Corridor will be shifted from a prohibited area to a regulated area.
It was further clarified that there will be no stay on the Parikrama Prakalpa.
The High Court order also quoted from the ASI affidavit saying work of toilets, drains, electrical works “do not fall within the definition of ‘construction’ & can be carried out even in prohibited area”… For regulated areas.
The AG also added that, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) under the Ministry of Culture has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the matter.
The Court further directed that the State Government shall submit an affidavit on ASI report before June 20. The said Matter will then be heard again on June 22 by the Orissa High Court.
Also read: Sri Mandir Heritage Corridor: Govt To Work In Tandem With ASI Orders Orissa HC
Ms Kalinga