Iron scaffolds off, Srimandir gets back its original look

Puri: On New Year eve, Jagannath temple got back its original look after the Archeological department removed all iron scaffoldings installed around it for the conservation and maintenance work of the temple yesterday.

Earlier, Archaeological Survey of India was asked to remove the scaffoldings before January 1, 2015. But it was removed before time allowing the tourists to take the glimpse of the natural beauty of the temple a day before the New Year day.

Meanwhile, the Nabakalebara Infrastructure Monitoring Committee yesterday organized a meeting chaired by Maheswar Mohanty to the take stock of progress of the preparatory work for Nabakalebara of the deities. The committee also discussed on infrastructure developments, training of young Daitapatis, identification of tree for the grand ritual in the meeting.

Among others, temple chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra and administrator Bikash Chandra Mohapatra were also present during the meeting which was marred by the questions raised by Daitapatis over the delay in the payment of their arrears.

The high priests warned the state government and the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) that they would not cooperate until they get their dues.