Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has taken decisive action to address the growing concerns of illegal activities at Satyabrata Stadium, located near the ASI-protected Barabati Fort.
The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) raised alarms over the stadium becoming a haven for anti-social elements, including the consumption of liquor after sunset.
In response, the High Court has directed a joint meeting of key stakeholders, including the superintending archaeologist of ASI (Puri circle), the collector of Cuttack, the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) of Cuttack, and representatives from the Sports Authority of India. This meeting aims to devise a comprehensive plan to restore the stadium’s safety and historical significance.
The division bench of Justices S.K. Sahoo and V. Narasingh emphasized the need for immediate measures, such as regular patrolling by the DCP, proper lighting on the stadium grounds, and regulated opening hours. The court also instructed the CMC commissioner to ensure the area is clean and well-maintained, including pruning trees and clearing garbage.
The court has set a deadline for an action taken report to be submitted by December 12, 2024, to ensure swift implementation of these measures.
This initiative reflects the court’s commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the Barabati Fort area while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
