Puri: Cracks have been detected on the outer walls of Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s puri after laser scanning conducted by the Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI).
According to the ASI’s report, many cracks were seen on the north side wall of the Ratna Bhandar, which may cause damage to the structure. It is also suspected that water leaks to the inner chamber through the cracks, sources said.
It may be noted here that the ASI had conducted laser scanning at 49 points of the Ratna Bhandar for two days in November, 2023 in order to detect suspected cracks on the walls.
After thorough analysis of the 3D images captured during the laser scanning, ASI superintending archeologist DB Garnayak sent the report on structural assessment of Ratna Bhandar outer walls to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
“The weathered and weak line plater of the slopped surface shows visible cracks at many locations which needs de-plastering and appropriate consolidation. These might have caused seepages with into the inner chamber,” the report said.
The junction area of Ratna Bhandar and Jagamohan Bada just below the first pidha needs to strengthening and proper water-tightening.
Three outer walls of the Ratna Bhandar are needed to be de-plastered. If any major damage is seen after de-plastering, appropriate steps will be taken through conservation mechanism, it said.
