The Odisha government has recently come under scrutiny for its Puri Heritage Corridor Project, which aims to create an international heritage site including the Jagannath temple. Conceived back in 2016 and unveiled in December 2019, this ambitious endeavor encompasses the Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor (SJHC) or the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project. The agenda involves redeveloping areas surrounding the temple,including the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) building, a Srimandir reception centre with 600-capacity, Puri Lake, and Musa River revival plan.
The project objectives listed by the Odisha government are threefold – ensuring the temple’s security, guaranteeing devotee safety, and fostering a religious atmosphere. Funded by the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture at Puri (ABADHA) scheme, it includes Land Acquisition Charges/Re-habitation& Resettlement/ Road Improvement for enhancing facilities around the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Why has the Project become a Subject of Controversy?
The controversial element of the project stems from the use of heavy machinery for excavation, which experts and civil society members fear could harm the 12th-century temple. Doubts arose about whether the construction had secured all necessary permissions and clearances. Notably, the Jagannath temple, a monument of national importance, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. By the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act (AMSAR) 2010, any major demolition or construction within a 100-200 meter radius of the temple is prohibited.
Understanding the AMSAR Act
The AMSAR (Amendment and Validation) Act prohibits construction within a 100-meter periphery of a protected area, with a regulated 200-meter radius around the monument. As per the Act, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) is responsible for managing the prohibited and regulated areas around ASI-protected sites. Any construction within these regions requires NMA permission. However, this Act does not apply to the development of public conveniences or facilities like water and electricity supply. Moreover, an impact assessment by the NMA is mandatory if the monument’s built-up area exceeds 5,000 square meters.
Exploring the Jagannath Temple
Believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the Jagannath Puri temple stands out as a significant religious site. Known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha’, it is said to nullify the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death. This temple, also named the “White Pagoda”, forms part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, which includes Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, and Rameswaram.
The temple has four entrances: the Eastern ‘Singhdwara’, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’, Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara’, and Northern ‘Hastidwara’. Each gate features a unique carving. In front of the entrance is the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, originally located at the Sun Temple in Konark.
Other Important Monuments of Odisha
Apart from the Jagannath Temple, Odisha houses several other monuments of importance. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Tara Tarini Temple and Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves are among the region’s prominent attractions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Puri-related Questions
In 2009, the UPSC Civil Services Examination included a question asking candidates to match a list of temples with their corresponding states. The Vidyashankara temple, Rajarani temple, Kandariya Mahadeo, and Bhimesvara temple were listed alongside Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa. The correct code was (a) 2 4 3 1.
