ASI likely to begin repair work of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar on December 16

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is all set to start the repair work of Lord Jagannath's Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) located inside Srimandir, Puri tentatively from December 16.

However, a final call in this regard will be taken after Niti Sub-Committee meeting.

This was informed by ASI superintendent D.B Garnaik. He mentioned that further decisions regarding the repair work will be made in the upcoming meeting of the Niti Sub-Committee. “We have scheduled the work to commence on the December 16," Garnaik informed.

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“Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has already accorded permission to us to carry out the work. We have tentatively decided to start the work from December 16 after getting a time slot, and we are prepared for it. However, we expect the time slot to be given after the Niti Sub-Committee meeting, which is likely to be held within a day or two,” the ASI superintendent expressed.

The work is planned to continue for five to six hours daily. Efforts will initially concentrate on refurbishing the exterior of Ratna Bhandar, before moving on to the interior. Garnaik also informed that if needed, any stones found to be in disrepair will be replaced.

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While talking to media persons, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that after the completion of repair work, inventory preparation as well as evaluation of the Lords’ ornaments will be conducted. The government has plans to finish the process by January 31, the Law Minister stated.

“As the Ratna Bhandar remained closed for several years, there are lots of repair works to be carried out. After the completion of repair work, the ornaments will be shifted from the temporary treasury to the permanent treasury and then the inventory will be done," he said.