Laser scanning of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar to begin tomorrow 

The laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar(treasure trove) of Puri Srimandir will start tomorrow (November 28). 

Speaking to the media on Monday, the administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Ranjan Kumar Das said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been permitted by the administration to carry out the laser scanning of the outer wall of the Ranta Bhandar.  

“The Srimandir was crowded for some days. I hope the ASI is in the process to start its work from tomorrow,” he added. 

He further stated that what could be done next will be decided after the report of the laser scanning of the outer wall is available. “We have told the ASI to scan the suspected cracks at some places where water is seeping through. All such places would be scanned,” he said.

On November 3, the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) gave its approval to the laser scanning of the Ranta Bhandar for repair of the cracks. Notably, following an order from the Orissa High Court in 2018, a team of 17 members examined the condition of the Ratna Bhandar, but they could not enter inside as the key of the Ratna Bhandar was not available. 

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In its report, the investigating team pointed out in its report that there were cracks on the wall and the wall always remained damp due to water seepage. 

However, senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra observed that all have to wait for the laser scanning which is expected to pinpoint cracks on the Ratna Bhandar wall. What remains to be seen is how far the scanning will be helpful in detecting the condition of gems inside the Ratna Bhandar, he added.