SOP prepared for inspection, repair of Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar: SJTA chief administrator

A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been prepared for the shifting of empty cupboards and chests, conduct of necessary scanning with the latest scientific tools and repair of Ratna Bhandar, informed Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) after a crucial meeting of the Managing Committee held at Puri on Monday.

According to Padhee, five to six proposals were discussed in the crucial meeting today. “Already all ornaments and valuables from the inner and outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar have been shifted. The old articles like cupboards are still inside the inner chamber. Similarly, discussion was held on the laser scanning and other scientific techniques to be used before the repair of the Ratna Bhandar,” said Padhee.

The SJTA chief administrator further informed that a detailed discussion on SOP, including shifting of empty articles including cupboards and technical inspection for scanning, either by IIT or CBRI was done. The Odisha government will institute a technical expert committee and whatever technology or technique will be used by the ASI, it will be made after taking the state government into confidence. The Managing Committee has approved the SOP and it will be submitted to the Odisha Government, he said.

The SJTA chief administrator further informed that discussion was also held on the draft Shree Jagannath Temple Land Management Rules and has been approved by the Managing Committee. The Rules will be implemented after approval from the state government.

“OBCC had provided 35 air-conditioned mini e-buses. At the meeting, it was decided to move the Odisha government to hand over the buses to OSRTC or any other agency for its management. A proposal will be submitted to the state government for necessary decision,” Padhee added.