Not much progress in Jagamohan repair, ASI admits before HC

Cuttack: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today informed the Orissa High Court that there has been no substantial progress in the repair of the main structure of Jagamohan of Shri Jagannath temple in Puri.

In its affidavit submitted to the court today, the ASI said while a part of the repair work of the pillars of the main structure has been completed, it had asked the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to supply necessary materials and equipment to take up the repair of the remaining pillars.

The ASI also informed the court that it is yet to receive the final designs for repair of the remaining pillars from IIT, Madras.

Talking to OTV, Subrat Satpathy, counsel advocate for SJTA, said the temple administration had informed the High Court in its previous affidavit that ASI had not completed the repair work of Jagamohan.

“Except some traditional repair work, the actual progress of structural repair work has been negligible. Besides, ASI has not finalized the design for the repair of beams and columns either. However, it has finalised some designs and given it to the temple administration for purchase necessary equipment and materials. The Court, after hearing the case, asked the ASI to file another affidavit stating the date and time of completion of repair work. It also directed the petitioner, SJTA and Puri collector to inform about the progress in the repair work till date,” he said.