Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has given its approval to a proposal for installation of air-conditioning system in the Nata Mandap of the 12th century shrine after consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other stakeholders for smooth and comfortable darshan of the deities by the devotees, informed Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Briefing reporters after a meeting of the temple’s managing committee to finalize the annual budget for 2024-25, Padhee said that there will be a separate queue for senior citizens, women & children and a separate queue for men to ensure smooth and comfortable darshan.
The unused chests and almirahs in the Nata Mandap will be removed without disruption of rituals and after due consultation with sevayats, Padhee added.
The SJTA Chief Administrator said that arrangements will be made for facilitating darshan by physically-challenged, infirm and elderly devotees.
Padhee said that the managing committee has given in-principle approval for setting up of an FM channel of the temple and added that steps for the same will be taken after detailed discussion in this regard.
He informed that it has been decided for a GPS survey of Lord Jagannath’s landed property to be conducted by ORSAC and records of the temple will be digitized.
He further said that doors of the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar of the temple will be gold plated after conservation work of the Ratna Bhandar is completed by the ASI.
Speaking on the inquiry report on the Adapa Pahandi mishap, Padhee informed that the three-member committee had submitted its report on the incident in nine points. While there was unanimity in the managing committee meeting on eight points, the three-member panel was asked to further examine and submit its report. However, emphasis was laid to ensure that such mishap does not occur in the future, Padhee said.
He said the managing committee approved the annual budget outlay of Rs 413 crore for the fiscal 2024-25 with a fiscal surplus of Rs 103 crore.
