The High Court has addressed the issue of illegal encroachments impacting the Khadagiri and Udayagiri caves. Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Rath, who formed the bench, reviewed two related public interest cases and directed the submission of a report on the state of these historical sites.
On Sunday, Additional Public Prosecutors L. Samantharai and S. Patnaik will inspect Khadagiri and Udayagiri. They will evaluate the encroachments and prepare a detailed report. The Khurda District Collector will oversee this visit.
Additional district-level officers will accompany the AGAs during their visit. The High Court has instructed them to submit a thorough report on the encroachment issues before the next hearing, scheduled for September 25. The court reviewed both the Khadagiri Udayagiri Dakhambara Jain Siddakshetra case and another related case together.
The Khadagiri and Udayagiri caves are crucial for their historical, archaeological, and religious significance, especially for the Jain community. Reports indicate that unauthorized structures have been erected on parts of these hills. The High Court has ordered the District Magistrate to remove these encroachments and safeguard the monuments before the AGAs’ visit.