Orissa High Court Imposes April 23 Deadline on ASI for Stadium Track Restoration
The Orissa High Court has set a firm deadline of April 23 for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to comply with its earlier directive to restore the walking track at Satyabrata Stadium, located within the historic Barabati Fort in Cuttack. This decision came during a hearing on April 9 regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing civic issues in the city.
Court's Directive and ASI's Response
During the proceedings, the court noted that its March 26 order, which mandated the removal of concrete paver blocks and the restoration of the track to its original unpaved condition, had not yet been implemented. Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Kumar Parhi, representing the ASI, requested a seven-day extension for compliance. Granting this request, a two-judge bench comprising Justice K R Mohapatra and Justice V Narasingh adjourned the matter to April 23.
The bench specifically directed D B Garnayak, superintendent of the ASI Puri circle, to file a compliance affidavit by the deadline. This action underscores the court's insistence on timely adherence to its orders concerning public infrastructure and safety.
Background and Health Concerns
The court had initially taken cognizance of media reports highlighting that the walking track was being concretized despite potential health risks and ongoing plans for the stadium's comprehensive redevelopment. Concerns were also raised about possible wasteful expenditure associated with the paving work.
In its March 26 order, the court expressed significant concern over public safety, emphasizing the dangers posed by hard paving surfaces. "In view of the health hazards posed by these concrete blocks, especially their hard, non-shock-absorbing surface that can cause joint strain, foot problems, and increase the risk of slips and falls—particularly for the elderly and children—and since the authorities chose to sacrifice citizens’ basic right to walk safely, this court directs the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to immediately stop laying paver blocks on the walking track of Satyabrata Stadium," the order stated.
Additional Civic Measures Directed
During the hearing, Garnayak informed the court that the ASI would issue necessary permissions or no-objection certificates (NOCs) to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation for cleaning work and the installation of bio-toilets at the stadium. The bench also instructed the Water Corporation of Odisha (Watco) to conduct a survey to provide permanent drinking water facilities. Until then, the civic body has been tasked with making temporary arrangements for water supply.
Collector Shinde Dattatraya Bhausaheb of Cuttack, who participated in the proceedings, was directed to submit a revised detailed project report (DPR) related to the overall development of Satyabrata Stadium to the ASI by the next hearing date. This report is expected to outline comprehensive plans for the stadium's redevelopment, ensuring alignment with safety and heritage preservation standards.
Next Steps and Implications
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 23, where the court will review the ASI's compliance and progress on the restoration work. This case highlights the judiciary's proactive role in addressing civic issues and safeguarding public health, particularly in heritage sites like Barabati Fort.
The court's intervention underscores the importance of balancing development with safety, especially in public spaces frequented by vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. The restoration of the walking track is seen as a critical step toward ensuring a safer environment for walkers and joggers in Cuttack.
