Puri, Sept 21: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed inspection and survey of both the Ratna Bhandars of Puri Jagannath Temple on Saturday.
The task will be carried out for three days till September 23 as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the Odisha government over use of GPRS machines and other gadgets.
“The ASI will undertake technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Jagannath Temple for three days on September 21, 22 and 23. The technical team will conduct the survey from 2 pm to 6 pm following which public darshan of the trinity will remain closed from 1 pm till completion of the work on these days," Chief Administrator of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr Arabinda Padhee had told media persons yesterday.
However, the daily rituals will continue. Devotees intending to buy mahaprasad from Ananda Bazaar will be required to enter through the Simhadwar and exit through the North gate, the temple administration informed in a press release on Friday.
The inspection, survey began in presence of the Ratna Bhandar committee members. Similarly, other essential services staff like doctors, magistrate, snake helpline members and fire services personnel have remained alert outside the temple to address any problem.
Notably, the ASI on Wednesday conducted a technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar in Puri Shri Jagannath Temple to ascertain the existence of any tunnels or cellars, concealed inside the ancient and royal treasure trove.
A team of 26 experts from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, executed laser scanning and physical verifications in search of the underground tunnel.
Under the supervision of ASI Additional Director General (ADG) Jahnavij Sharma the technical inspection work was undertaken using high-tech gadgets and other scientific equipment to conduct a detailed assessment of the outer and inner Ratna Bhanbdar.
During the inspection, laser scanning of the wall and the floors were undertaken while some scientists examined the upper portions and roof of both inner and outer Ratna Bhandar.
Among others, Chief Administrator of SJTA Dr Arabinda Padhee, Chairman of Ratna Bhandar Inventory Committee Justice Biswanath Rath were present.
Following the technical assessment conducted today ASI ADG (Conservation) Sharma on the speculation of an ancient tunnel in the Ratna Bhandar said that no such tunnel in the ancient treasure trove was found so far. It’s why a Ground Penetrating Radar survey will be conducted soon.
