ASI admits tardy progress in Jagamohana repair in Odisha High Court

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Aug 29:

Finally, the Archaeological Society of India (ASI) has admitted that not much progress has been made in the repair of the main structure of the Jagamohana, the prayer hall adjoining the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Jagannath temple, the 12th-century shrine in Odisha’s holy town Puri.

The fact came to light from an affidavit submitted by the ASI in the Orissa High Court in connection with a case pertaining to repair of the fragile Jagamohana, revealed High Court sources.

Sources said the ASI has stated in the affidavit that while repair work of pillars of the main structure of the Jagamohana has been completed to some extent, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has been asked to provide required materials for repair of other pillars.

Further, the ASI has stated that it was yet to receive designs for some conservation work from IIT-Madras, the sources added.

The High Court has directed the SJTA, Puri Collector and the petitioner to apprise it through an affidavit whether the work completed so far was satisfactory or not and what other works were needed to be done.

On the other hand, the High Court has directed the ASI to submit an affidavit by when repair work would be completed.

The court has fixed September 14 as the next date of hearing on the matter.