Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India DB Garnayak on Wednesday informed that the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Puri Srimandir will be opened on July 8.
According to Garnayak, inspection will be done on July 8. The Ratna Bhandar will be opened in the presence of the core committee and technical committee.
“As per the 2018 report, an inspection was done and cracks were observed, some stones had fallen and some iron rods were missing. The condition was not good. In the laser scanning, cracks were detected in the outer wall and joints. Through these cracks, rainwater might be entering,” said Garnayak.
It was alleged that there was water seepage inside Ratna Bhandar during monsoon season. Sudarsan Pattnaik, the Srimandir Committee member expressed shock over it.
“The Committee had done an inspection and reported about seepage and other issues in 2018. Now six years have passed and when it was known that there was some problem in Ratna Bhandar, no step was taken despite letters by ASI. Now, in the laser scanning also detected cracks in Ratna Bhandar,” said Pattnaik.
According to Pattnaik, “Keeping the temple safe is everybody’s responsibility. Action should be taken for the six-year delay. I urge CM Mohan Majhi to take action and discuss the matter with ASI, the Temple officials and take appropriate decision.”
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Vir Vikram Yadav said, “The state government has constituted a committee and based on the recommendation, necessary steps will be taken accordingly.”
The senior ASI official said that 'as it is visible that there are cracks and wrought iron beam is missing, steps will be taken for its replacement'.
As there are precious items in the Ratna Bhandar, the concerned Committee and Temple administration will take a decision at a meeting which is likely to be held soon.
“Everybody has given consent for the opening of the Ratna Bhandar for inspection on July 8. It is difficult to say anything on the exact days it will take for necessary restoration works,” he said.
Senior SJTA officials said that once the Committee meeting is held and based on its recommendation, the state government will be approached.