Eviction drive around Jagannath temple to continue: Collector

A top official of the Puri district administration on Wednesday said that demolition of structures which are located within 75 metres from the Shri Jagannath Temple boundary wall will continue despite protest from monks and local residents.

Puri Collector Balwant Singh said this after meeting a 15-member delegation of local people comprising Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi and others.

"It is wrong to call it demolition activity. The administration has been pulling down unsafe structures and doing everything possible to secure the Sri Jagannth Temple. The eviction drive within 75 metres from the temple wall will continue," Singh told reporters after the meeting.

The Collector said that the main seat of mutts (monasteries) where the deities are installed will remain intact. But, all other structures including business establishments located in the mutt premises will be evicted, he said.

The district administration also rejected the allegation that the affected people are not getting compensation. The collector said he would take up the matter with the affected people.

Damodor Pradhani, a member of the delegation said: "The district collector has rejected our proposal to stop demolition of structures. We will take up the matter with the Chief Minister."