ASI to carry out laser scanning of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar on Nov 28

The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) on Saturday gave its approval to laser scanning of the Srimandir Ranta Bhandar (treasure trove) for repair of cracks. The laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar will be carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on November 28, the day after Kartika Purnima.

Speaking to the media, the superintendent of ASI, DB Garnaik said, "The laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar will be done on November 28. The work will be done in a phased manner so as to detect where cracks are there in Ratna Bhandar.”

Earlier in the day, a meeting of the SJTMC was held to discuss the upcoming inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa (Heritage Corridor Project). During the meeting, the committee gave its stamp of approval to the laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar.

Emerging from the meeting, Srimandir Chief Administrator, Ranjan Kumar Das informed the media, “We had earlier held discussions with the ASI authorities about the Ratna Bhandar. The ASI had asked the temple administration for permission to conduct the laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar. We have already given our approval to the laser scanning.”

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He further stated that after getting the ASI’s scanning report, the temple administration will check it. “There is no need for forming a sub-committee. The ASI on its own will do the scanning. The scanning of the Ratna Bhandar is the first step and thereafter, things will be taken forward,” he noted.

“After the laser scanning of the outer wall, scanning of other parts will be done. All necessary assistance will be provided for the purpose,” he added.
 
He added that a parallel road is being laid from the pilgrim centre to Dola Bedi after demolishing the Bhati Guest House and the road will ease the crowding of devotees on the Bada Danda.

As for Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa, Das stated that the authorities of the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OB&CC,) have assured the temple administration that the project will be completed in time.