The administration wants to widen that 1.5 km length of road to 40 feet. In fact, it has been claimed that the district administration made a decision at a unanimous meeting without consulting all the parties whose stores would be demolished as part of the project.
Following the Puri district administration’s proposal to widen the route as part of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, the small business owners and street sellers along the narrow Srimandir-Swargadwar stretch have entered a state of panic, fearing for their way of life.
According to rumours, the administration wants to make the 1.5 kilometre stretch of road 40 feet wide. In fact, it has been claimed that the district administration made a decision at a unanimous meeting without consulting all the parties whose stores would be demolished as part of the project.
According to reports, the decision has angered small company owners and caused fear.
Before being evicted, a different group of residents has demanded rehabilitation. Former councilwoman Nrusingha Sahu told the media, “This initiative will have an impact on at least 200 families. We have insisted that they receive rehabilitation before being kicked out.
However, even the proposed 40-foot widening of the road appears to have encountered opposition from the townspeople, as some have urged that the width be restricted to just 30 feet.
Gourahari Pradhan, a former head of the Puri Municipality, stated, “The Collector had called us to discuss their proposal. We agreed that the road may be widened by 30 feet, but no further. We will undoubtedly start a protest if they proceed with the 40-foot plan.
The Puri Collector, Samarth Verma, stated, “We have expansion plans for Lokanath Road and Balisahi Road. We are actively debating our strategies with every stakeholder, and we will move forward with the project only after keeping their confidence.
It is important to note that if the road is enlarged, many of the minor temples, mutts, and private properties along the stretch from Kukudakhai Square to Swargadwar on the sea beach will be destroyed. Thousands of visitors and worshippers utilise the tiny path to travel to the seaside after receiving darshan at the Srimandir. The administration intends to enlarge it to 40 feet in order to reduce traffic congestion along that section.
Prasanta Patnaik 
amfnews