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Debris at demolished illegal shrine await shifting even as three years have elapsed since launch of eviction drive
- District administration and CMC had launched a demolition drive May 1, 2013 during which at least a dozen illegal temples were razed
- Hoteliers and residents are seen dumping solid waste on Kathajodi riverbed under the nose of the district administration and CMC
- Water resources department writes to the district administration and CMC asking them to check dumping of garbage on Bali Yatra ground
Post News Network
Cuttack, June 6: Public places like Bali Yatra ground and Kathajodi riverbed in the city have virtually turned into dumping yards, thanks to the alleged callousness of the district administration and the civic body officials. Also, an inordinate delay in shifting of debris from the demolished illegal shrines adds to the disfigurement of the silver city.
According to sources, debris emerging from demolition of illegal shrines and the daily garbage are being dumped at these places. Locals blame the callousness of the district administration and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to address the issue.
The district administration and CMC had launched a demolition drive May 1, 2013 during which at least a dozen illegal temples including a shrine built by Bharatmata Pujan Samiti near CDA, Shyamashyama dham temple constructed by the devotees of Krupaluji Maharaj near Kathajodi river and the Gundicha temple at Chandini Chowk were bulldozed. However, debris is yet to be shifted from the razed shrines.
“Debris emerging from the demolished shrines is responsible for the disfigurement of the city. The district administration and CMC authorities should clear the debris immediately,” social activist Jyotshnarani Sahu said.
Of late, some people are also dumping garbage on Bali Yatra ground. Similarly, some hoteliers and residents are dumping solid waste on Kathajodi riverbed under the nose of the district administration and CMC.
“Bali Yatra ground, bearing historical and cultural significance, is a much sought-after venue for several outfits which organise cultural and religious events over there. The district administration and civic body authorities should take stern action against those dumping garbage on the ground,” said advocate Prasanna Nanda.
Water resources department south division executive engineer PK Das said he had written to the district administration and CMC asking them to check dumping of garbage on Bali Yatra ground, which is located near River Mahanadi.
CMC commissioner Gyana Das, however, claimed that the civic body is not dumping garbage on Bali Yatra ground. “Disposal of garbage from the demolished shrines has been delayed due to some legal hurdles,” Das said.
Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra said the administration has convened a meeting to discuss the disposal of debris from razed temples. “Steps have been taken to prevent dumping of garbage on Kathajodi riverbed. We will request water resources department to take action on people who are polluting the Bali Yatra ground,” Mishra said.
