Bhubaneswar/Puri: Amid concerns over delay in Ratna Bhandar’s repair work even after the end of holy Kartika month, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday assured that this along with inventory of valuables will be completed by January next year.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister said that the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun preparations for the repair work and it has been asked to complete it at the earliest. “After the repair work is completed, the valuables will be brought back into the treasury from the strongrooms and the inventorisation will begin in accordance with the temple’s established rules. It is expected to be completed by January end,” he said.
The repair work is expected to take over a month. The final inventorisation report will be released after a review of the previous inventory list.
The repair work of cracks on Meghanad Pacheri or outer boundary wall of the shrine is currently underway. “A meeting to review its progress will be held on November 20,” he added.
The Ratna Bhandar was opened twice on July 14 and 18 to shift the valuables and gold ornaments of deities to strongrooms. The inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar was last opened in 1978.
Also Read: No Secret Tunnel Inside Ratna Bhandar Of Puri Jagannath Temple
The ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey by ASI in September detected cracks within the temple’s treasury. However, no secret tunnels or chambers was found in Ratna Bhandar as was being speculated.
