Puri: First Phase Inspection Of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar Concludes

Puri, Sept 18: A high level team of 17 members have conducted the preliminary assessment of the Srimandir Ratna Bhandar here, Wednesday.

The team, led by the ASI, conducted a detailed survey and technical inspection using laser scanners for documentation and other key aspects, keeping the repair works of the Ratna Bhandar in mind.

“The inspection continued for around three hours starting at 2 pm. The inspection works include measurements of the Ratna Bhandar, while dimensions were taken through laser scanning and physical inspection was also conducted,” said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee.

Shedding lights on further inspection, Arabinda Padhee said that a radar survey will be done by a team of experts as part of the inspection.

"After the radar survey, we will submit the report to Odisha government," stated the SJTA chief administrator, adding that necessary steps will be taken for the repair works after detailed report comes.

Meanwhile, the ASI Additional Director General Janhwij Sharma said that the NGRI team will visit again. "Ground-penetrating survey, which will benefit in conservation and repair works, will be conducted," he said.

Providing an update on the presence of tunnel, Janhwij Sharma said that the inspection is incomplete and anything can be said only after the radar survey (through ground penetrating radar).

Justice Biswanath Rath, chairman of the high-level committee, said that the "entire exerice is likely to be completed by September 25".