The administration on Saturday began a demolition drive around the Shree Jagannath temple compound wall to widen the nearby road by 30 feet to facilitate movement of devotees. The temple managing body and the State Government had resolved to widen the road around the temple.
The land acquisition process was initiated which was contested by 21 affected persons who got stay orders stalling the operation. On Wednesday last, the Odisha High Court disposed of their cases and vacated the stay order effectuating the demolition operation. An enforcement officer accompanied by police and a magistrate demolished the Hajuri and San-Chhata mutt buildings. The operation would continue till the widening was completed.
