Bhubaneswar/Puri, Feb 24: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has cleared the air on the delay in the repair works of Puri Ratna Bhandar.

Questions were raised over the delay in counting and valuation of ornaments and valuables of the Shreemandir Ratna Bhandar.

Clearing the air, the Odisha Law Minister said: “We know the process is getting delayed. And it’s because of the extension of repair works of Ratna Bhandar.”

“The Ratna Bhandar requires more repair works than what we had expected and estimated. Thus the counting of valuables is getting delayed and we are not being able to meet the deadline. However, once the repair works are completed, the counting will begin,” said Harichandan, who is also the Minister of Works and Excise.

Speaking about how much time it will take to complete the repair works, Harichandan said that it would take about one to two months. “The counting of valuables will be completed before Rath Yatra,” informed the Law Minister.

Refuting the reports

There have been reports claiming the Temple Administration is not giving time for the repair works. However, Harichandan has quashed the reports.

“The repair works are underway. The only time repair works are being stopped, is during the rituals of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath,” explained the Law Minister.

“The reports claiming the temple administration is not giving time, are completely false. The repair works are underway and we are getting complete cooperation from the administration, as well as the ASI in the works,” he concluded.

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