ASI Allowed To Carry Out Laser Scanning Of Ratna Bhandar In Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been given permission to carry out laser scanning of Ratna Bhandar in Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, said chief administrator of SJTA Ranjan Kumar Das.

Speaking to media persons in Puri after a meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, Das said the ASI had earlier sought permission for laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar. “The proposal was discussed from different angles at the meeting on Saturday. The committee decided to allow the ASI to carry out laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar,” he added.

The chief administrator further said since the temple is witnessing heavy rush of devotees in Jagannath temple due to Kartik month, the ASI might not be able to carry out its work comfortably now. The date and time of starting the scanning would be intimated to the ASI later, he added.

It may be noted that serious concern has been raised in different quarters about the inside condition of the Ratna Bhandar and its inventory. As the state government did not take any step, BJP state unit president Samir Mohanty had moved Orissa High Court seeking direction in this regard.

The High Court had directed the government to form a special committee for inspection and conducting inventory of Ratna Bhandar. But the committee has not been formed till date, while the chief administrator recently said Ratna Bhandar was safe and no one should worry about it.