Puri Jagannath Temple: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Nov 18: Amid growing concerns over the delay in the repair work of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan assured on Monday that the repairs, along with the inventory of valuables, will be completed by the end of January next year.
Addressing reporters, Harichandan explained that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started preparations for the much-awaited repair work and has been instructed to finish it as soon as possible. Once the repairs are completed, the valuables currently stored in temporary strongrooms will be moved back into the treasury, and the inventory process will begin as per the temple’s established protocols.
The repair work is expected to take more than a month. The final inventory report will be released after a review of the previous records. Harichandan also informed that the repair of the Meghanad Pacheri (the outer boundary wall) is ongoing, with a progress review meeting scheduled for November 20.
The Ratna Bhandar was last opened in July 2024 to transfer the valuables, and its inner chamber has not been opened since 1978.
