SJTA Chief Seeks Special Laws to Regulate Building Height, Architecture Near Srimandir Parikrama

Puri, June 8 : In a significant move aimed at preserving the sanctity and security of one of India’s holiest shrines, Sri Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Aravinda Kumar Padhee has urged the Odisha government to formulate new and special laws restricting the height and appearance of buildings around the Srimandir’s Parikrama corridor and the Gundicha Temple.

In a letter addressed to the state Urban and Housing Department, Padhee expressed concern over the growing number of multi-storied constructions in close proximity to the sacred temples. These buildings, he noted, are rising several meters above the Meghanada Prachir (the grand outer wall) of the Jagannath temple and the Gundicha temple, thereby not only disturbing the visual and spiritual landscape but also potentially posing a security threat to devotees and temple infrastructure.

“The increasing number of high-rise buildings near these temples goes against the spiritual essence of the area,” Padhee wrote. “There is an urgent need to regulate these constructions and maintain the religious and cultural identity of this holy city.”

Citing discussions held during a high-level committee meeting of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on May 26, the Chief Administrator reiterated the committee’s earlier resolution to formally request the government to treat the matter as a special case and enact a dedicated legislation.

The proposal includes:

• Imposing height restrictions for all buildings in and around the Parikrama corridor and Gundicha temple.
• Mandating the front facades of buildings to reflect traditional Kalinga architectural elements to preserve visual harmony.
• Beautifying vacant spaces around temple premises.
• Regulating commercial signboards and roadside advertisement billboards to prevent visual clutter and ensure cultural appropriateness.

Padhee emphasized that the purpose of these proposals is not only to uphold the security and aesthetics of the temple surroundings but also to create a spiritually immersive environment for pilgrims and residents alike.

The move is expected to gain support from cultural heritage bodies, conservationists, and devotees, many of whom have voiced concerns in recent years about the unchecked urbanization around the Jagannath temple precincts.

With Puri being one of the Char Dhams and a globally revered pilgrimage destination, the state government is now under pressure to respond with legislative action that balances urban growth with heritage conservation.