The Orissa High Court has stepped in to examine alleged unauthorized construction activities at a major religious fairground near the iconic Konark Sun Temple. On Tuesday, the court issued formal notices to multiple state and district authorities following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the building of structures on the Magh Saptami Mela ground at Chandrabhaga beach.
Court Seeks Responses from Multiple Authorities
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman directed several officials to submit their responses. The notices were served to the commissioner-cum-secretary of the revenue and disaster management department, the principal secretary of housing and urban development, the Puri collector and district magistrate, the superintending engineer of Puri roads and buildings, the executive officer of Konark Notified Area Council (NAC), and the tehsildar of Gop.
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for January 20. The PIL was filed by Sanatan Swain, a 65-year-old resident of Puri district, and is being argued by his advocate, Hrudananda Mohapatra.
Concerns Over Commercialization of Sacred Fairground
The petition centers on an eight-acre plot at Chandrabhaga beach, an area revered as 'Arka Khetra'. This site is the venue for the annual Magh Saptami Mela and holy bath, a two-day event that draws lakhs of pilgrims. During this festival, entry fees to the Konark Temple are traditionally waived for all tourists. The fair is set to begin on January 25.
Swain's legal challenge questions the local administration's decision to permit both temporary and permanent constructions on this land. According to the plea, the authorities have begun building sheds and other facilities with the aim of developing the area into a commercial hub.
Public Safety and Religious Sentiment at Risk
The petitioner contends that these construction activities have significantly reduced the open space essential for the smooth and safe conduct of the massive mela. This reduction, the PIL argues, creates serious public safety hazards.
The petition specifically warns that squeezing the available area on the eight-acre ground could lead to dangerous traffic congestion and potential stampede-like situations during the peak of the festival when crowds swell into the hundreds of thousands.
It further alleges that despite a formal representation submitted by the petitioner and local residents to the Puri collector as early as February 15, 2025, no action was taken to halt the construction or address these pressing public grievances.
In his plea, Sanatan Swain has requested the High Court to direct the authorities to stop using the mela land for constructing sheds, toilets, parking facilities, or any other structures. He maintains that such usage is not only against public interest but also hurts the religious sentiments of the devotees who visit the sacred site.
