ASI begins repair works in Srimandir

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began

that conservation work on the cracked beam inside the Natamandap (dancing hall) of Shri Jagannath Temple.

ASI informed the Orissa High Court through an affidavit in which superintending archaeologist (Puri Circle) Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak said the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has granted permission to undertake the repair of Natamandap between March 14 and May 31. He also added that “Essential conservation materials have been procured and preparatory work started from March 14 as per time allowed by SJTA”.

Every stone and sculpture in the entire temple including the Ratnasinghasan will be scanned and documented to reveal even the minutest of the cracks. Garnayak said the necessary conservation works has been initiated as per the recommendations of ASI’s director (conservation) who inspected the cracked beams on February 25.

According to the sources,

Central government counsel Chandrakanta Pradhan made the submissions on behalf of ASI.