The Gaya district administration on Tuesday stayed the process of marking households and properties proposed to be demolished for the execution of an ambitious Rs 2,390-crore project aimed at overall development and improved pilgrim amenities around the Vishnupad temple. The 10-day-long marking exercise was scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
The project includes widening of approach roads, proper alignment of the shrine exterior, renovation of ghats and construction of a 108-foot statue of Lord Vishnu in the middle of the Falgu river, among other works.
The decision to stay the house-marking exercise came amid widespread opposition from Gayawal Pandas to the proposed demolition drive, which, according to Panda leader Shambhu Lal Bitthal, may affect nearly 700 residential buildings and other structures within a radius of 200 metres from the outer walls of the Vishnupad temple, considered the seat of final salvation of wandering souls.
Announcing the temporary stay on the marking exercise, DM Shashank Shubhankar said the administration had received several representations from people likely to be affected by the project.
Shashank said the marking process would resume only after disposal of the representations submitted by the affected residents. “Till the disposal of the petitions neither marking nor survey would be done,” said the DM.
He said suggestions received from local residents would be given due consideration and their concerns would be properly addressed before moving ahead with the execution of the high-value project. Reassuring residents apprehensive about the large-scale demolition exercise, Shashank said people could submit their concerns and suggestions before the Gaya municipal commissioner and the sadar SDO.
“The project map will be given a final shape only after taking into account the local factors and everything will be done in a fair and transparent manner,” said the DM.
Welcoming the district administration’s decision to stay the house-marking exercise, Vishnupad Temple Management Committee president Bachhu Lal Bitthal expressed hope that the concerns of affected residents would be addressed before any final decision was taken.
Earlier on Monday, a group of affected house owners had demanded reduction in the proposed road width from 24 metres in order to minimise the impact of the demolition exercise.
