Preliminary inspection incomplete, ground penetrating radars to be used for Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar survey

The high-level team led by the ASI on Wednesday conducted the first phase inspection of Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar. The 17-member team conducted a detailed assessment using laser scanners for documentation and other key aspects which are necessary for taking up repair works of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator informed that on the first day of the Ratna Bhandar inspection, a 17-member technical team conducted the preliminary inspection and a laser survey was done.

“The inspection continued for three hours from 2 pm to 5 pm and whatever inspection work was needed, it was done today by the experts including measurements, while dimensions were taken through laser scanning and physical inspection was also taken up,” Arabinda Padhee.

According to Padhee, a radar survey will be done and we have urged the expert of the radar team for inspection. Once we get the report, we will place it before the Odisha government. Only after we get the full-fledged report, ASI will take up necessary steps for the repair works, he said.

ASI Additional Director General Janhwij Sharma said, “Today, our aim was to conduct a survey. The NGRI team will visit again and ground-penetrating survey work will be taken up. This will benefit in conservation and repair works.”

According to Sharma, the inspection work is incomplete. The team will again visit and an analysis will be done to assess the status. Ground survey work is needed to be taken up. Regarding the presence of any tunnel, it can be said only after the completion of the radar survey.

Justice Biswanath Rath, chairman of the high-level committee said, “Preliminary investigation was done by expert team. Whatever was required, the team has worked hard today. No decision has been taken as it will be completed only after the use of ground penetrating radar and other machines to assess the situation. Some time will be given to the team so that they examine the findings today. We have urged the team to take up necessary work as soon as possible. The entire exerice is likely to be completed by September 25.”