People worried as demolition marking for Vishnupad Corridor starts today

Gaya: As the Gaya Municipal Corporation (GMC) officials are all set to mark the structures, including houses and property, to be demolished for the execution of the Vishnupad Corridor project from Tuesday, houseowners likely to be affected are apprehensive.

The demolitions are required for widening of the approach road between Chand Chauraha and the temple from the existing 12 metres to 24 metres and also for beautification and better alignment purposes.

The affected houseowners, particularly the residents of Karsilili locality, have formed an association to protect themselves against the likely impact of the demolition. The association has been named as Shri Vishnupad Kshetriye Jan Jagran Manch.

On Monday, the manch office-bearers interacted with mediapersons giving vent to their apprehensions. Representatives of the Vishnupad Temple Management Committee (VTMC) were also present on this occasion.

Bacchu Lal Bitthal, president of the VTMC, said earlier the shrine management committee, which is an important stakeholder in implementation of the project, extended support to the corridor venture under the impression that it was in the interest of the pilgrims. Now, the realisation has dawned that the corridor project may adversely affect the cultural and religious heritage of the place, he said.

He demanded immediate end to all ambiguity by releasing the project details and taking the stakeholders into confidence before the issuance of the gazette notification for house demolition.

As per the pandas and other residents of the locality, altogether 694 structures within a radius of 200 metres from the Vishnupad Temple will have to be demolished if the planners have their way. The residents demand reduction in the approach road width to minimise the scope of displacement and demolition.

Confusion also persists about the quantum of compensation to be paid to the affected property owners of the area.

According to Gaya district magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, the project map has been provided to the stakeholders. A 10-day long drive will begin on Tuesday to mark the structures for demolition. Once the marking job was completed, feedback of the affected people will be taken before proceeding further in the matter, said the DM.

Earlier, Gaya municipal commissioner Abhishek Palasia had said that minimum required demolition would be done for the project’s execution.