Puri: A high-level expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a detailed laser scanning of the Srimandir Ratna Bhandar on Wednesday. This inspection is a key step in assessing the structural condition of the historic treasury within the Jagannath Temple, ahead of planned repair work. The scanning process, which lasted over four hours, focused on both the inner and outer sections of the Ratna Bhandar.
The inspection, carried out between 1 pm and 5 pm, included advanced laser scanning, precise measurements, and a thorough physical examination of the structure. According to Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), a radar survey will follow the laser scanning, with a comprehensive report to be presented to the Odisha government before any repairs begin.
Justice Biswanath Rath, Chairman of the Ratna Bhandar Committee, confirmed that the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) will soon conduct a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. He emphasized that all inspections are being carefully documented, with the process fully videographed. “We have requested the team to complete the inspection process by September 25,” he said, adding that the procedure is being conducted according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established by the state government to assess the inner treasury’s condition.
Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General of ASI, noted that the inspection remains ongoing, with further analysis and ground surveys still required. He also confirmed that the NGRI team will return for additional ground-penetrating radar work to ensure a complete assessment before repairs commence.
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