Concern Over Illegal Activities
The Orissa High Court has taken significant action to address troubling issues at Satyabrata Stadium. This stadium is located within the historic Barabati Fort area in Cuttack. There have been growing concerns about illegal activities occurring there, especially after sunset. Reports indicate that miscreants have been consuming alcohol and engaging in other anti-social behaviors on the stadium grounds.
Joint Meeting Called
In response to these problems, the High Court has ordered a meeting with all relevant stakeholders. This meeting aims to discuss how to address and prevent these illegal activities. The court highlighted that a collaborative effort is essential. The objective is to restore the stadium’s reputation and prevent further decline.
The meeting will be chaired by the Cuttack District Collector. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Cuttack will also take part. Other participants include representatives from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Commissioner of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), and DB Garnayak, the superintending archaeologist from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Puri Circle. Together, they will work to suggest measures that can help restore Satyabrata Stadium, also referred to as the Village Ground.
Concerns Raised by Local Bar Association
The High Court’s intervention came after the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) expressed its concerns. The HCBA highlighted that the stadium grounds have become a hotspot for unlawful activities. Bijay Dash, the HCBA president, spoke to the court about this situation. He heads the advocates’ committee focused on civic issues. During the discussions, Dash referenced media reports about the ongoing problems. He accused local authorities of neglecting their duties to stop these illegal actions.
Court’s Directives to Local Authorities
In response to the HCBA’s concerns, the court issued several directives. First, the DCP was instructed to ensure that the area around the stadium is monitored closely. Regular patrols are to be conducted, especially after dark, to deter any unlawful activities. The court also directed the CMC Commissioner to improve lighting in the stadium area. Proper lighting will enhance safety and visibility during evening hours.
Additionally, the court emphasized the need for regulating the opening hours of the stadium gates. The public should be informed about these changes in operation. An action report on these measures is expected to be presented to the court by December 12.
The court further directed the DCP to manage the parking situation outside Satyabrata Stadium. This will help alleviate congestion on roads near the stadium. Simultaneously, the CMC was instructed to tackle immediate issues in the area, such as clearing garbage and pruning trees.
Ongoing Excavation at Ratnagiri
In related news, significant archaeological discoveries have been made at the Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Jajpur district. The ongoing excavations have unearthed two large heads of Lord Buddha, among other finds. This excavation project has resumed this month. The ASI’s Puri Circle is working with universities from Utkal, Sambalpur, and Cotton University for this initiative.
The excavation has also revealed pottery, terracotta floor tiles, and remnants of votive stupas. All of these findings are crucial to understanding the historical significance of the site. It is worth noting that the first systematic excavation at Ratnagiri was carried out by the ASI between 1958 and 1961. This work was guided by renowned archaeologist Debala Mitra.
A Hopeful Outlook for the Stadium’s Future
As efforts to restore Satyabrata Stadium progress, the hope is that the court’s active involvement and the collaboration of various stakeholders will yield positive results. The collective actions are expected to not only preserve the stadium but also to prevent further misuse of this important cultural site.
While the challenges are significant, the commitment from both the court and local authorities provides a glimmer of hope. By tackling illegal activities and enhancing the facilities, Satyabrata Stadium can reclaim its status as a valued community asset. It can once again serve as a safe and enjoyable environment for sports and recreation.
This restoration effort will allow the stadium to be a place of pride for the community and a beacon for future generations. The combined efforts of the stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring that the stadium is not only restored but also maintained effectively for years to come.
