Latest technology to be used for repair of Ratna Bhandar to ensure structural safety

Puri: Latest technology will be used while undertaking repair of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri to ensure safety of the structure and rule out any apprehension.

This was stated by Justice (Retd) Biswanath Rath, chairman of the high-level inspection committee set up for opening and inventory of Ratna Bhandar, after an important meeting held in Puri on Monday.

He said all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that there is no danger to the structure of the 12th century shrine. Safety of the temple structure, its protection and preservation will be accorded top priority while undertaking the repair work.

Stating that all the cupboards and chests will be shifted before undertaking repair work inside Ratna Bhandar, Justice Rath said it has been decided that Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will choose a suitable room for shifting the cupboards.

Cupboards and chests might also need preservation and the entire Ratna Bhandar will be emptied before starting repair work, he said, adding that all these were not in the standard operating procedure (SOP) earlier. It has also been decided that latest technology and non-destructive instruments will be used for thorough inspection ahead of repair work, Justice Rath said.

If something new is found inside, necessary steps will be taken accordingly and the team will proceed in according with the emerging situation. The temple managing committee has been urged to take steps for some addition in the SOP and subsequently, it will be sent to the state government for approval. Only after the repair works, steps will be taken for conducting inventory, Justice Rath said.

Noting that similar works have been done in other temples, he said the state government is being urged to take necessary steps after holding prior consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he said.

This apart, necessary steps will be taken to ensure smooth conduct of rituals in the temple and discussion will be held with all stakeholders including servitors, he added.