Puri: The latest technology will be employed in the repair of the Ratna Bhandar at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to ensure the structure’s safety and alleviate any concerns.
Justice (Retd) Biswanath Rath, the chairman of the high-level inspection committee established for the opening and inventory of Ratna Bhandar, made this announcement following a significant meeting in Puri on Monday.
He assured that all essential precautions would be taken to protect the 12th-century shrine from any risk. The temple’s safety, along with its protection and preservation, will receive the utmost priority during the repair process.
Justice Rath mentioned that all cupboards and chests would be relocated before starting repairs inside the Ratna Bhandar, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will select an appropriate room for this purpose.
He also noted that the cupboards and chests may require preservation, and the entire Ratna Bhandar will be cleared before commencing repairs, which was not part of the standard operating procedure (SOP) previously.
Furthermore, it has been resolved to use the most advanced technology and non-destructive tools for a comprehensive inspection before the repair work begins, added Justice Rath.
Should new findings emerge inside, the necessary actions will be taken, and the team will adapt to the evolving situation. The temple managing committee has been requested to propose additions to the SOP, which will then be forwarded to the state government for approval. The inventory will be conducted only after the completion of the repair work, he stated.
Justice Rath also pointed out that similar efforts have been undertaken in other temples, and the state government is being encouraged to proceed with necessary actions after consulting with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Additionally, measures will be taken to ensure the uninterrupted performance of rituals in the temple.