A technical committee on Saturday spotted cracks on the columns of Puri Sri Gundicha Temple. Puri Srimandir Technical Core Committee during an inspection in the ancient shrine found some distress appearing on three out of 4 columns, informs the chairman of the panel Professor SK Bhattacharya who is Director of Central Buildings and Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee.
The distress is normal because of wear after such a long period of time. There is nothing to worry about because the cracks can be restored and repaired, said Bhattacharya.
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On the extent of time period required for the restoration work, Bhattacharya said that it will not be proper to predict the time frame for the repair. "We hope that if everything runs as per plan, the repair work might finish in two to three months, said Bhattacharya.
According to member of the committee, NC Pal, "The Garbha Gruha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of the Sri Gundicha Temple was repaired in 1994.
The panel during the temporary restoration work of a wrought iron beam in Nata Mandap of the temple during this year's Rath Yatra felt that there were some major issues with the columns and beams of the structure. To clear their assumptions, the committee carried out an extensive inspection today and found the cracks.”
Pal informed that the scheme of entire repair process will be finalised within 7 to 10 days so that the restoration work can be concluded before the Rath Yatra next year.