Cracks on Walls of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar, Reveals ASI’s Laser Scanning

Puri: Cracks at multiple places on the wall of Ratna Bhandar of Sri Jagannath temple in Puri has been revealed by the laser scanning conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The structural assessment of Ratna Bhandar’s outer walls on the northern side was conducted with laser scanning from November 28 to 29, 2023. The ASI has written to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration regarding the findings of the study for carrying out conservation works.

As per the ASI report, the weathered and weak lime plaster of the slopped surface shows visible cracks at many locations which need de-plastering and appropriate consolidation. These might have caused seepages within the inner chamber.

The junction area of Ratna Bhandar and Jagamohan Bada just below the 1st pidha needs strengthening and proper water-tightening.

After de-plastering the outer three side walls if any major damage is found, it will be taken care of by an appropriate conservation mechanism, the report states.

In a letter to the SJTA’s chief administrator, the ASI mentioned that it is necessary to discuss the matter with members of the SJTA for taking up required action at the earliest.