ASI to take care of gods of small temples

ASI to take care of gods of small temples

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set up a committee to prepare a status report on all the small and big temples on the premises of the Puri Jagannath Temple. This is for the first time any such report is being prepared on other temples within the complex of the 12th century shrine.

The committee, comprising senior officials, will submit the report within a month. The review would include details on the extent of structural damage in these temples and the level of conservation works required. Based on the report, the ASI would prioritise the temples as per their immediate conservation requirements and begin repair works in consultation with experts and the temple management, said superintendent of ASI, Bhubaneswar circle, Ashok Patel.

‘’This is for the first time that ASI is preparing a report on the other temples inside Meghanath Pacheri. The focus so far has only been on the main temple and Jagamohan. This is aimed at knowing the status of damage of the other temples,’’ Patel added.

This apart, the Regional Director (East), ASI, Tapan Jyoti Baidya on Sunday approved `55 lakh and `31 lakh for chemical cleaning and chemical conservation of the main temple and Jagamohan, respectively. ‘’The project and fund details will be sent for a formal sanction to the Director-General of ASI and conservation works will begin on the two structures soon,’’ Baidya said on the sidelines of the 150th Year of Formation celebration here on Monday.

At present, the ASI is carrying out de-plastering of the Jagamohan, which was in a bad shape. After this work, the extent of the damage would be assessed and suitable repairs carried out. Following the stay order by the Orissa High Court, work on the Lion’s Gate has been put on hold. The main temple, after de-plastering, has been administered chemical treatment to protect it from saline wind and moisture.  The ASI has been entrusted to conserve, preserve and conduct repairs on the shrine since 1974.

* The Regional Director (East), ASI, Tapan Jyoti Baidya on Sunday approved  ` 55 lakh and ` 31 lakh for chemical cleaning and chemical conservation of the main temple and Jagamohan respectively.

* The main temple, after de-plastering, has been administered chemical treatment to protect it from the saline wind and moisture

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