TV
Several reverse osmosis (RO) plants and 50 clean drinking water stand posts will be installed in various locations within the Puri Jagannath Temple premises ahead of the coming summer months. A decision in this regard was taken by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) during a preparatory meeting on Wednesday.
A detailed blueprint and planned layout for the installation of the drinking water posts were finalised during the meeting. A discussion was also held for further amenities including the installation of carpets for devotees to walk comfortably, shade structures with fans to protect them from the heat, sprinkler systems, and first-aid centres.
In addition to this, the creation of information centres and help desks, similar to the one at Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), at other key locations within the 12th-century temple was also proposed.
“Winters are fast receding and summers will be here in no time. We want to ensure that adequate drinking and cooling facilities are in place for the devotees in view of the strong heat that prevails during summers,” said Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.
ALSO READ: Puri Jagannath Temple land settlement issues to be resolved via web portal: SJTA
Chaired by Swain, the summer preparatory meeting also included key officials such as the Temple Development Administrator, Puri SP, Fire Services Department officials, and representatives from the Public Works, Electricity, and Transport departments.
Along these lines, the meeting also discussed issues regarding the repair work of the Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove). Reportedly, the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has not been allocated fixed working hours leading to delays in the work.
ALSO READ: Know the 5-point norms imposed for employees in Puri Jagannath temple
As such, the SJTA stated that discussions were ongoing with the servitors to allocate 5-6 hours per day for repair activities through a rotational policy.
