The Orissa High Court had directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to stop the work of laying paver blocks on the walking track of Satyabrata Stadium, located in close vicinity to the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack city, with immediate effect, stating that the concrete structure would have an adverse impact on pedestrians due to its hard, non-shock-absorbing surface.
The Division Bench of Justice K.R. Mohapatra and Justice V. Narasingha, taking strong exception to ASI’s concretization of the pedestrian track, observed: “It is indeed baffling that when the District administration is in the process of submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) relating to the overall development of Satyabrata Stadium, public money is being siphoned off to pave the walking track with concrete at this stage with undue haste.”
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In view of the health hazards posed by these concrete blocks—particularly the adverse impact on pedestrians due to the hard, non-shock-absorbing surface, which may lead to joint strain, foot-related ailments, and an increased risk of slips and falls, posing a long-term risk of physical injury, especially to vulnerable sections such as the elderly and children—and since the authorities have decided to sacrifice the basic right of citizens to walk safely, this Court is left with no alternative but to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to stop the work of laying paver blocks on the walking track of Satyabrata Stadium with immediate effect, the Division Bench ordered.
Further, it is directed that the paver blocks already laid be removed, restoring the track to its “un-paved” state.
The overall development of sports-centric facilities at Satyabrata Stadium was submitted to the State’s Sports Department. The Cuttack Collector informed this Court that the District administration was unaware of the walking tracks inside Satyabrata Stadium being paved with concrete, the order stated.