NO GREEN SIGNAL LEGALLY SHOWN TO STATE GOVERNMENT’S SRIMANDIR CORRIDOR PROJECT : ASI TO ODISHA HIGH COURT

Puri (The Quiver) : ASI granted no official permission for Srimandir Corridor Project. Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) confirmed it clear before the Odisha High Court that it had not given any permission to Odisha government to carry out the construction of the heritage venture.

As per sources, the ASI in an affidavit clarified before the High Court bench that it has not green signalled for any type of excavation or construction work in the 100 metre prohibited area around the Jagannath Temple as per the guidelines of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.

Anup Kumar Mohapatra, the counsel appearing for the petitioner told media that the High Court has directed the archaeological body to file detailed report on the heritage project including assessment of the impact on the 12th-century shrine due to the project construction.

The petitioner requested the bench to put a stay order on the project, however, the Advocate General (AG) appearing for Odisha government stated during the hearing that no specific permission is required from the ASI or NMA for construction works like toilets.

The High Court has scheduled June 20 as the next date of hearing in connection with the matter.