Bhubaneswar: The inner portion of Srimandir Ratna Bhandar can be repaired during this year’s Rath Yatra following a thorough inspection of the inner wall after the laser scanning from outside.
Replying to a written query of Congress MLA Dasarathi Gamango, Law Minister Jagannath Saraka told the Assembly that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) can’t undertake the repair work inside the Ratna Bhandar as it will affect the daily rituals of the trinity and public darshan adversely since it is attached to the Jagamohan of the shrine.
The matter was raised in the Srimandir Management Committee meeting on August 4, 2023. After a comprehensive discussion, the Committee advised the ASI to do laser scanning from the outer wall to ascertain the condition of the inner wall, Saraka said.
Following the advice of the temple management committee, the ASI had recently conducted the laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar.
The Congress legislator further wanted to know whether the government is consuming time in the High Court despite an order to open the Ratna Bhandar. In reply, the Minister clarified that this is not true.
