Puri: The Ratna Bhandar committee may go for an endoscopy of the inner treasury during the time Ratha Yatra for the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar.
It was informed by the committee Chairman Justice Arijit Pasayat today after holding the first meeting of the panel.
The committee today discussed various aspects of the Ratna Bhandar inventory. It also sought the 1978 inventory from the district administration.
“We held the discussion over the 1978 inventory, its further step and the appropriate time when the inventory can be made. As of now, we consider Ratha Yatra to be the right time to enter the Ratna Bhandar for the exercise,” Pasayat said.
“We also further think that the inventory can be made after Snana Purnima due to the absence of devotees. But, that might not be feasible as there are many secret rituals of the deities during that time. So, we are thinking about the use of technology for the inventory in which the exercise can be carried out with the help of camera. Primarily, we held all these discussions today,” he added.
He informed that the inventory was made first in 1926 during British rule and later in 1978. Minor verification was made twice in 1982 and 1985. Since then, nothing has been done, he said.
The 12-member committee which was constituted by the Odisha Government for the Ratna Bhandar inventory convened the meeting for the first time after its formation.
Former judge of Supreme Court justice Arijit Pasayat was made the chairman of the committee while renowned cardiologist Dr Ramakant Panda has been appointed as its vice-chairman.
The panel was formed following a directive of the Orissa High Court.
