Following a decision of State Government to replace the memorial of the former CM Biju Patnaik from Puri Swargadwar and modernise it spending Rs 5 crore, it is now demanded that the graveyard be made free from illegal acquisition first.
A demand from various sections in the pilgrim town has suggested to the Chief Minister that since Swargadwar area has already got reduced to 88 decimal due to encroachment, so eviction is necessary before taking development works.
People urged that if the Government moves ahead with its plan in the congested Swargadawar overlooking illegal encroachments, such a huge expenditure would solve no purpose.
A court of Puri responding to a case filed by advocate Ramesh Prasad Singh against the Biju memorial had ordered the municipality tovacate the land. The municipal administration had challenged the order in the Sessions Court which was still pending. However, a few days back, the court took up the case after watching no response from the administration during last five years. Before a judgement came in, the Government declared removal of the Biju memorial.
Singh said that from 25 acres, the Swargadwar has now shrunk to only 88 decimals due to encroachment. The holy crematorium close to the seashore has been squeezed by hotels and guesthouses from three sides.
While the Swargadwar’s south side is occupied by an illegal road adjoining the beach, the other sides have been covered by private constructions.