Orissa High Court Imposes April 23 Deadline on ASI for Stadium Track Restoration
The Orissa High Court has established April 23 as the definitive deadline for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to adhere to its previous directive concerning the restoration of the walking track at Satyabrata Stadium. This significant facility is situated within the protected confines of the historic Barabati Fort area in Cuttack.
Court's Directive and Compliance Timeline
During a hearing on April 9 regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing civic issues in Cuttack, the High Court observed that its order from March 26 had not been executed. That earlier judicial mandate explicitly required the removal of concrete paver blocks and the reinstatement of the walking track to its original unpaved state.
Representing the ASI, Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Kumar Parhi petitioned the court for a seven-day extension to achieve compliance. Granting this request, the two-judge bench comprising Justice K R Mohapatra and Justice V Narasingh rescheduled the matter for April 23. The bench further instructed D B Garnayak, the Superintendent of the ASI Puri Circle, to submit a formal compliance affidavit by that date.
Health and Safety Concerns Prompt Judicial Intervention
The court's involvement was initially triggered by media reports highlighting the potential health risks associated with the concretization of the walking track. These reports emerged concurrently with ongoing discussions about a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the stadium, raising additional alarms regarding possible wasteful expenditure of public funds.
In its detailed March 26 order, the court expressed profound concern for public safety, emphasizing the dangers posed by hard paving surfaces. The judicial observation stated: "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."
Additional Civic Amenities and Development Plans
During the proceedings, Superintendent Garnayak informed the court that the ASI would issue the necessary permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOC) to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation. This authorization will facilitate cleaning operations and the installation of bio-toilets at the stadium premises.
The bench also issued directives to the Water Corporation of Odisha (Watco), instructing it to conduct a survey for the provision of permanent drinking water facilities at the site. Until such infrastructure is established, the civic body has been mandated to implement temporary arrangements for water supply.
Cuttack Collector Shinde Dattatraya Bhausaheb, who was present during the hearing, received a judicial order to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) concerning the overall development of Satyabrata Stadium. This document, which must be presented to the ASI, is required to be placed on record by the next hearing date.
The case is scheduled for further judicial review on April 23, where compliance with all directives will be assessed.
