Puri Heritage Corridor Project. The ambitious and controversial Puri Heritage Corridor project was formed in 2016. It is about developing Puri into a heritage site, with the budget being 3200 crores. The project revolves around 22 schemes about the major regions of the town.
There were rising petitions against this construction work. For many days the residents of Puri had filed a plea in the high court against the construction work. All of this was about the construction work along with the Puri Jagannath Temple that would damage; the 800-year-old structure if the land around it was dug up. The high court has asked them and the ASI to file an affidavit; following which, the petitioners moved to the Supreme court.
On Friday, the Supreme court dismissed the petitioners against their plea.
Role Of The ASI In Puri Heritage Corridor Project:
The Puri Jagannath Temple has been under the supervision of ASI. According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act. The National Monuments Authority (NMA) approves construction work and instructs. That an assessment study must be conducted before any developmental work around a monument; of archaeological importance with an area over 5,000 square meters. Although The Jagannath temple is spread over 43,301.36 square meters. The ASI in its affidavit said that there are some risks to the 12th-century temple. Due to the excavation work for the heritage corridor and has asked the state government; to review the development project around the Puri Temple.
Excavation Site Updates:
Especially Recent excavations on the Puri Heritage Corridor led to the unearthing of a Lion sculpture; which, the ASI says dates back to the Ganga dynasty. Moreover It was found on the premises of the Emar Mutt near the 800-year-old Puri Jagannath Temple. It is the third lion sculpture found during the excavation in the periphery of the temple area. However, further excavation work is terminated for the time being and plans; are being made to use a ground-penetrating radar survey (GPRS). Before the excavation to spot the presence of such antiques underground before excavation.
Suggested To Read Gyanvapi Mosque Controversy Not Related But Similar News.