Cracks On Puri Jagannath Temple’s ‘Meghanada Pacheri’: SJTA Begins Repair Work On War Footing

Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has started the process for the repair of the ‘Meghanada Pacheri’, the massive boundary wall surrounding the 12th-century shrine in Odisha’s Puri.

The repair work is being undertaken on a war footing after several cracks were found on the huge structure, stated to have been built around the temple during Maratha period.

Notably, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been drawing the attention of the temple administration to the seepage of wastewater of Ananda Bazar in the temple complex through the cracks. The repair work has started by the temple administration in coordination with the ASI, sources said.

The temple administration has also floated tender for improvement in the drainage system for Ananda Bazar with necessary repair work.

While the surface of the boundary wall is being cleaned initially, steps will be taken to properly seal the cracks to prevent any seepage of wastewater from Ananda Bazar.

ASI officials said that there is no danger to the structural stability of the Meghanada Pacheri as the foundation is very strong. Once the drainage system of Ananda Bazar is improved and cracks are sealed, further seepage will be prevented, they said.

After completion of drainage work, the technical team will examine the structure and necessary chemical washing and treatment will be undertaken, said an official.

Notably, Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee had on Sunday said that necessary steps are being taken for repair of the temple boundary wall in coordination with the ASI.