Bhubaneswar, June 26: Eminent sand artist and Srimandir Managing Committee member Sudarsan Pattnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday, urging immediate action from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to maintain the inner Ratna Bhandar of the Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to prevent further damage.

In his letter to CM Majhi, Pattnaik stated: “In 2018, the ASI's technical wing inspected the inner Ratna Bhandar Chamber and identified several structural issues in the walls, ceiling, and basement. The ASI team recommended immediate repairs, yet six years have passed without any work being done. The delay has likely worsened the damages. Additionally, laser scanning in February 2024 revealed cracks on the exterior of Ratna Bhandar.”

Pattnaik also praised Majhi for opening four doors of the Jagannath temple, adding, “On behalf of the devotees of Mahaprabhu, I urge you to instruct the ASI to commence the repair and maintenance work on the inner Ratna Bhandar without further delay.”

Powered by Froala Editor