Bhubaneswar, June 19: The state government has not taken any decision regarding the opening of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on July 8, said Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday.
He further stated that no decision has been taken in this regard in the Chhatisa Nijoga committee.
Earlier today, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintendent DB Garnayak said that the Ratna Bhandar will be opened on July 8.
The Ratna Bhandar will be opened in the presence of the members of the core committee and Technical Committee of the ASI on July 8. Thereafter, inspection and repair works will be done accordingly, said Garnayak while speaking to media persons.
Garnayak noted that an inspection conducted in 2018 revealed cracks, missing stones, and iron rods, indicating the structure was in poor condition. Furthermore, a laser scan conducted in November 2023 detected additional cracks in the outer wall and joints, suggesting potential rainwater infiltration.
The committee constituted by state government will recommend the necessary steps for the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Vir Vikram Yadav.
