Hundreds of residents living around the Jagannath Temple here are now in a state of fear following the State Government’s decision to evict all structures within 75 meter from the Meghanad Pacheri (shrine wall).

The markings given in streets last night have fuelled more fire among them as there are apprehensions that they are going to lose houses in near future.

 In the first phase on Monday while the eviction of structures is scheduled to start near the Meghanad Pacheri, marks have already beenbgiven in the streets as possible boundary from where the demolition will be made. On Sunday morning people saw the marks on many walls of houses, which were absent in the previous night. Residents are sure of the markings made by Government officials.

The residents are now fumed over decision made all on sudden and secret move of administration for eviction. In the plan, hundreds of structures including private buildings, lodgings, mutts and shops are believed to be cleared to develop a vast space surrounding the Jagannath Temple.

“The Government has already marked points where all buildings up to the temple will be demolished. Everything is operating in a very secret manner without knowledge of people,” said a servitor under anonymity.

He told, they would never let it happen whatever huge compensation the Government gives to them. The district administration is mum over the expansion of space near the temple with nobody in office giving answer clearly about the move. Notably, under the Iconic City programme, the State Cabinet has recently decided to widen the outer space of the Jagannath Temple. After the news came in media, oppositions and protests have started building up.