Bhubaneswar, Feb 16: The inventory of the Ratna Bhandar, the treasure chamber of Puri Jagannath Temple, is set to begin soon.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan. Giving an update about the situation, CM Majhi said: “All preparatory work has been completed, paving the way for the counting and verification process.”

Arabinda Padhee, Shreemandir Chief Administrator, presented a detailed plan to the Odisha Chief Minister. “Both the inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar have undergone extensive repair and conservation,” noted Padhee.

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“The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) completed the restoration in 95 days, involving 333 hours of meticulous work. With the chambers now secured, the temple administration and the state government are fully prepared to initiate the inventory,” Padhee informed CM Majhi at the meeting.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the counting has been finalized by the Shreemandir Management Committee and will commence once the government grants approval.

The process will be conducted under strict security and transparency. Importantly, the inventory will be cross-verified with the last official list prepared in 1978, ensuring accuracy and continuity.

A digital catalogue with photographs of all ornaments and valuables will also be created, marking a significant modernization step in preserving the temple’s heritage.

The meeting also saw discussions over the preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra. Given the large requirement of phasi wood and sandalwood for the chariots, CM Majhi directed the Forest Department to initiate plantation projects to ensure sustainable supply in the future.

The meeting was attended by Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Saswat Mishra, Law Department Principal Secretary Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, and Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, among others.