ISKOCN was granted permission for institutional complex

BHUBANESWAR: As controversy over the proposed construction of a temple by ISKCON in Puri is snowballing with each passing day, the Odisha government on Wednesday said the religious institution had been granted permission to construct an institutional complex on 17, 903 sq ft area in Puri.

Urban Development secretary G Mathivathanan said permission was granted to ISKCON for G-2 (Ground Floor+2) level construction though they had sought permission for construction of a G-6 level structure.

Admitting that there was an allegation relating to the land given to ISKCON since May last year, the secretary said by the allegation, the Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has asked them to stop construction work on the proposed complex till the matter is settled in the court.

Besides, it has also served a show cause notice to Iskcon authorities asking them to appear in person on January 29, he said.

PKDA has handed over all documents about the case to the Urban Development department.