Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a thorough scientific investigation into the recurring water leakage issue at the Meghanad Prachira of the 12th-century temple in Puri.
The SJTA chief administrator, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, wrote a letter to the ASI, highlighting the issue and seeking their expertise to identify the root cause and implement permanent conservation solutions.
According to the letter, water leakage was first noticed at the Meghanad Prachira last year, and despite repair works done by the SJTA with ASI’s guidance, the issue has recurred. Fresh seepage has been noticed on the eastern side of the Meghanad Prachira, accompanied by moss growth, indicating persistent moisture ingress.
The SJTA has expressed concern over the issue, stating that it poses a potential risk to the long-term structural health of the wall. They have requested the ASI to undertake a thorough scientific investigation, including structural and material diagnostics, to identify the root cause and implement permanent conservation solutions.
In the meantime, the SJTA proposes to undertake temporary repair works with technical guidance and supervision from the Puri Circle of ASI. The ASI’s early intervention in the matter has been sought.
