Puri: The district administration Tuesday demolished a mutt and an information centre among several structures near the Meghanada Wall of Srimandir on the second day of the eviction drive that began Monday.
The demolition drive started around 7am and continued till evening.
Administration sources said several buildings of Languli mutt, an information centre near Srimandir, a drinking water kiosk, a shoe stand at the Lions’ Gate of the shrine and several other structures were demolished during the drive.
“Our employees would demolish some minor structures Wednesday. However, no decision has been taken on the relocation of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das’s statue near the shrine,” said an official of the district administration.
The administration also deployed several tractors and trucks to remove debris near Srimandir.
Collector Balwant Singh said the administration would implement several projects near Srimandir to provide better facilities to the devotees. He further revealed that the administration would prepare a master plan to set up various facilities for devotees near the shrine. “We have demolished several structures near the Meghanada Wall of Srimandir in last two days. However, some structures associated with the temple rituals have been left intact. Steps will be taken to preserve and beautify those structures,” Singh added.
PNN
