By RTI Activist Pradeep Pradhan
BHUBANESWAR: In the past few days, news has been spread through various media outlets about the discovery of archaeological remains under the Shri Jagannath Temple and its surrounding areas. For example, there are many houses, tunnels, etc. under the Shri Jagannath Temple. It has been reported that this was revealed in a report submitted by IIT, Gandhinagar in 2022. The question naturally arises in mind, why was this report of 2022 published in 2026? Who and why hid this report for four long years?
In fact, the Naveen government had given the responsibility of implementing the Shri Jagannath Temple Parikrama project to OBCC (Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation). This company, at its own discretion, awarded the project to a company outside the state, whether or not it was tendered. At that time, OBCC had asked IIT, Gandhinagar to conduct an Archaeological Investigation Survey of the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri area using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and submit a report. This organization conducted the survey and submitted its Draft Report to OBCC on 21.6.22.
At that time, a copy of the report, the expenditure incurred in preparing the report and the work done on the basis of the report were sought from OBCC under the Right to Information Act. OBCC refused to provide the information under Section 8(a) of the Act, stating that providing this information would undermine the unity and integrity of the country. Since the information was not available, I filed an appeal with the Information Commission, arguing that OBCC had lied and concealed the information.
After a long four years, the Information Commission started its hearing. Information Commissioner Pranabandhu Acharya asked the PIO of OBCC and other officials how national unity and integrity would be threatened if the said information was revealed. But the two officials could not present any satisfactory answer or argument.
As a result, the Information Commission ordered to immediately submit the survey report and other information. On 25.3.26, the OBCC office submitted all the information. IIT, Gandhinagar has taken Rs. 40 lakh for this report and submitted only the draft report on 21.6.22. The Final Report has not been submitted yet. This Draft report is lying in cold storage. OBCC has stated that only the study is going on. IIT, Gandhinagar is silent after taking Rs. 40 lakh. Despite sending repeated letters, IIT, Gandhinagar is not submitting any Final Report.
Based on this draft report, which is incomplete, the Odisha media is broadcasting news to you. There is no question about the credibility or validity of this report. Only propaganda by the scoundrels is going on.
