Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) workers demolish encroachments on the Jagannath temple premises in Puri on Saturday. The district administration, with the help of the ASI, launched the drive to demolish all encroachments around the 12th century temple. The ASI has been entrusted with the upkeep of the ancient shrine since 1975. The office of Pratihari Nijog (office of a group of servitors) near the temple will also be demolished. The ASI’s superintending archaeologist for Odisha circle Bhuban Bikram said: “The demolition drive is being carried out, according to the directive of the Orissa High Court.” On April 24, the high court had directed the ASI, the temple administration and the district administration to vacate the Pratihari Nijog office located near the Singhadwar within a stipulated time frame. The court also ordered clearance of encroachments within 10 feet of the four entrance gates to the temple. Picture by Sarat Patra