Cuttack: Orissa high court has pulled up authorities over neglect and non-compliance of its directions regarding the upkeep of Satyabrata Stadium on the Barabati Fort premises.While hearing a PIL on civic issues in Cuttack, the HC bench on July 3 took note of the affidavit filed by Cuttack DCP Hrishikesh Dayanadeo Khilari dated July 2, and observed that several earlier directions had not been implemented.In its previous order on Dec 12, 2024, the court had issued detailed instructions to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and city police to address security, maintenance and public access issues at the stadium.However, the DCP's affidavit highlighted significant non-compliance such as concertina fencing not being installed over the roadside boundary wall, leaving gaps that allow unauthorised entry. No daytime security personnel have been deployed by ASI as directed, and of the 28 lights installed by CMC, only 7 are functional — severely affecting visibility and patrol efficiency.Taking serious note of the lapses, the court directed deputy solicitor general P K Parhi and counsel for CMC, Debasis Nayak, to file compliance affidavits before the next hearing on July 31.

The DCP was further instructed to intensify night patrolling around the stadium to prevent any untoward incident.The stadium sits on land that forms part of the Barabati Fort precinct — a protected heritage site since 1915. Though ASI officially staked claim to the fort area in 1989 during the city's millennium celebrations, much of the 100-acre site had by then been encroached upon by govt constructions.In 2005, ASI initiated efforts to reclaim parts of the fort, including the stadium, which was built years after the Orissa Council of Sports was established in 1957.

Initially, ASI had issued demolition notices to remove the sports complex and replace it with a heritage garden. However, following strong resistance from the sporting community, ASI revised its stand in 2007 and permitted sports activities to continue.However, poor maintenance and inadequate coordination among civic bodies have left the stadium in disrepair, prompting repeated court interventions.Cuttack: Orissa high court has pulled up authorities over neglect and non-compliance of its directions regarding the upkeep of Satyabrata Stadium on the Barabati Fort premises.While hearing a PIL on civic issues in Cuttack, the HC bench on July 3 took note of the affidavit filed by Cuttack DCP Hrishikesh Dayanadeo Khilari dated July 2, and observed that several earlier directions had not been implemented.In its previous order on Dec 12, 2024, the court had issued detailed instructions to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and city police to address security, maintenance and public access issues at the stadium.However, the DCP's affidavit highlighted significant non-compliance such as concertina fencing not being installed over the roadside boundary wall, leaving gaps that allow unauthorised entry. No daytime security personnel have been deployed by ASI as directed, and of the 28 lights installed by CMC, only 7 are functional — severely affecting visibility and patrol efficiency.Taking serious note of the lapses, the court directed deputy solicitor general P K Parhi and counsel for CMC, Debasis Nayak, to file compliance affidavits before the next hearing on July 31.

The DCP was further instructed to intensify night patrolling around the stadium to prevent any untoward incident.The stadium sits on land that forms part of the Barabati Fort precinct — a protected heritage site since 1915. Though ASI officially staked claim to the fort area in 1989 during the city's millennium celebrations, much of the 100-acre site had by then been encroached upon by govt constructions.In 2005, ASI initiated efforts to reclaim parts of the fort, including the stadium, which was built years after the Orissa Council of Sports was established in 1957. Initially, ASI had issued demolition notices to remove the sports complex and replace it with a heritage garden. However, following strong resistance from the sporting community, ASI revised its stand in 2007 and permitted sports activities to continue.However, poor maintenance and inadequate coordination among civic bodies have left the stadium in disrepair, prompting repeated court interventions.