Puri: Breaking silence over Shreemandir Parikrama Prakalpa which is now dragged into controversy, Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb said Shree Jagannath temple is totally safe and everyone should extend hands for execution of the project.
Speaking to media persons here after chairing the Temple Management Committee, the King said the Shreemandir Parikrama Prakalpa (Heritage Corridor Project) is highly essential for the security of the temple, in the interest of devotees, beautification of temple periphery and putting the temple at a proper place at international-level.
“Mahaprabhu’s work doesn’t belong to any individual, group, party..it belongs to all. Everyone’s cooperation is needed for projects being undertaken for the benefit of devotees. And it is not proper to oppose the project through demonstration and protests,” Mr.Deb said.
If there is any issue or problem, it should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding, he suggested.
Notably, the Heritage Corridor Project has been dragged into controversy as few organisations allege that the project has been undertaken without the approval of statutory bodies like ASI and NMA. It was also alleged that the construction activities near the temple may have an impact on the structure. A case on this issue is also pending in Orissa High Court now.
During the Management Committee meeting, annual budget of Rs 248 crore for the year 2022-23. Besides, discussion was held on signing of an MoU for the setting up of an Adarsh Gurukul for the children of the sevayats, said Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Vir Vikram Yadav.
The Adarsh Gurukul sub-committee of SJTA has been asked to further study the MoU and it will be put before the Management Committee during its next meeting, he said.
