The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the construction of a reception centre for the 12th Century Shree Jagannath Temple. The centre will be set up outside the 100-metre “prohibited zone” of the shrine.

The order has brought relief to the Odisha government as well as the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) as the developmental works around the Jagannath Temple had run into a controversy following stiff opposition from a section of people. The government of Odisha in 2019 had started a project named “Puri Heritage Corridor Project” to transform the holy town of Puri into an international place of heritage.

However, social activists as well as Opposition parties alleged that the work being done under the Puri Heritage Corridor Project was illegal as it violated the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) 1958 which prohibits new construction work within a 100-metre radius of a national protected monument. They also alleged that illegal construction was going on within 50-75 metres of the monument and no approval was taken from the ASI, which is the custodian of the temple.

As the issue snowballed the NMA intervened. The state government in its DPR (Detailed Project Report) on the project cited that it was carrying out basic developmental projects such as setting up toilets, reception centres and other basic amenities.

After going through the details of various norms related to such works it agreed for construction of basic amenities with certain modifications.

“The Shelter Pavilion proposed for visitor’s convenience may be constructed subject to reduction of its height and at ground level not causing eye shore to the monument,” the NMA said in its order.

According to the officials, the centre will come up at a distance of 101.50 metres from the protected monument with a height of 7.50 metres (G+1) with a floor area of 1,365 sqm, first floor 1,305 and mezzanine floor of 143 sqm. Earlier, the state had proposed a G Plus two structure.

Now, the state government can construct a cloak room, mini clock room, shelter pavilion, toilets and develop other basic amenities near the temple.

However, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said: “Relocation of Reception Centre beyond 100 mts (Prohibited Area), reduction in height etc have been suggested by the NMA. If the state government would have worked within the boundaries of law, crores of rupees would not have been spent in taking up construction of buildings which were illegal.

”Sarangi shot into limelight in April this year when she launched an agitation on the issue and asked the Odisha government to follow the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958.