In a significant move to preserve the centuries-old glory of Shree Jagannath Temple, a comprehensive technical inspection is scheduled to begin on July 18.
The exercise will place special emphasis on the structural health and repair of the historic Natamandap and Bhogamandap.
The decision was taken today at a high-level coordination meeting held at the Shree Mandir office and chaired by Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida.
A joint technical team comprising experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Shree Mandir Core Committee and IIT Delhi will carry out the multi-pronged inspection. The team will first focus on the overall cleaning and maintenance of the temple premises before moving on to detailed technical assessment and necessary repairs of the Natamandap (dance pavilion) and Bhogamandap (offering hall).
During the inspection, experts will perform chemical treatment on the structures and collect load-cell data to scientifically evaluate their load-bearing capacity. Damaged Khandolite stones will be identified for replacement, leaking pipes will be repaired, and long-standing issues in the temple’s drainage system will be addressed.
The initial phase of inspection is expected to conclude on July 18. A review meeting will then be held to finalise the roadmap for further repair and conservation work, guided by the recommendations of the Shree Mandir Management Committee.
Speaking after the meeting, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida said, “In the first phase, a joint technical inspection will be conducted by ASI and Shree Mandir Core Committee experts. Based on their detailed report, we will take all necessary decisions regarding repair and conservation of the temple.”
The upcoming inspection is being viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term structural safety and heritage preservation of one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
