‘Expert team’s report to spell type of repair for Jagamohan restoration’

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 26:

A formal decision on the exact nature/type of repair to be undertaken for restoration of the Jagamohan of the Shree Jagannath temple in Odisha’s holy town Puri will be taken after the expert team’s report which is expected within three-four days, informed chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Suresh Mohapatra here today.

Sri Jagannath temple, Puri
Sri Jagannath temple, Puri

“The condition of Jagamohan is not safe because it has large number of cracks and stones are falling from some of its pockets. The expert team that visited the temple on Thursday will be submitting its report in three-four days and after that the core committee will meet and a detailed estimate will be made in accordance with the expert team’s suggestion. Work will begin after its approval by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI),” said Mohapatra.

However, the expert team is of the opinion that appearance of cracks in ancient monuments is nothing unusual. The team is of the opinion that with use of ultra-modern technology the Jagamohan can be strengthened and there is no reason to panic.

“It’s no panic situation. It’s not alarming, nothing like that. This is part of routine maintenance or you can call it a part of continuous conservation. Work is on. It will require joint filling or whatever is required will be done,” said superintendent of ASI, Delhi R S Jambuel.

“Whatever cracks have developed have not appeared in a day or two. Those will be joined using stainless steel beams which will have a laminate underneath. The laminate will add strength to it. These two will increase its lifespan substantially. We are hopeful that the repair job will be completed early and there is nothing to worry,” said a member of the temple’s technical committee.

After the expert team consisting of assistant professor of IIT Madras Arun Kumar Menon and superintendent of Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi R S Jambuel visit to the Shree Mandir on Thursday and examination of cracks in the Jagamohan by them, a detailed discussion on the matter was held at the ASI’s office here today.

The expert team had examined the cracks by climbing onto the scaffolding surrounding the four pillars and beams of the Jagamohan on Thursday.

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