Orissa High Court Intervenes to Protect Historic Stadium Walking Track
CUTTACK: In a significant ruling focused on public safety and heritage preservation, the Orissa High Court has issued a decisive order to immediately cease the laying of concrete paver blocks on the walking track within the Satyabrata Stadium. This facility is located inside the protected Barabati Fort area, a site of historical importance.
Court Directs Restoration to Original Unpaved Condition
The bench, comprising Justice K R Mohapatra and Justice V Narasingh, has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to not only stop the ongoing work but also to remove any paver blocks already installed. The court mandated that the walking track be restored to its original unpaved state, emphasizing the need to protect citizens' basic right to walk safely.
The direction came during a hearing on March 26, where the court took cognizance of reports published in vernacular newspapers regarding civic issues in Cuttack. The bench expressed serious concern over the health hazards posed by the concrete blocks, particularly their hard, non-shock-absorbing surface.
Health and Safety Concerns Raised by Legal Community
During the proceedings, members of the Bar Association, including President Manoj Kumar Mishra and Secretary Avijit Patnaik, along with Amicus Curiae Bijay Kumar Dash, presented compelling arguments against the paving project. They alleged that the work was proceeding "oblivious of the health hazards" and raised specific concerns:
- Joint strain and foot problems due to the hard surface
- Increased risk of slips and falls, especially for elderly users and children
- Questionable timing of the project when the district administration is preparing a Detailed Project Report for overall stadium development
- Potential misuse of public funds through what they described as "undue haste" in executing the paving work
ASI's Response and Court's Firm Stance
Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Kumar Parhi, representing ASI, informed the court that the work had already been stopped since Wednesday prior to the hearing. However, this claim faced strong opposition from the Bar Association members, who questioned the timing and necessity of the project.
The bench underscored the risks associated with hard paving surfaces in public walking areas, stating: "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."
Compliance Deadline Set for April 9
The court has given ASI a clear deadline for compliance, requiring the submission of an affidavit by April 9. On that date, the ASI superintendent must appear before the court to demonstrate that the order has been fully implemented. This includes both the cessation of all paving work and the restoration of the track to its original unpaved condition.
The ruling highlights the court's proactive approach to protecting public spaces and ensuring that development projects consider both heritage preservation and citizen welfare. The Satyabrata Stadium, located within the historically significant Barabati Fort area, now stands as a case study in balancing modernization with safety and conservation concerns.
