After a long wait for repair of small structures in the temple premises here, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have decided to prepare a five-year plan for comprehensive conservation works of the various small temples in the main complex. The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting attended by SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar, ASI Additional DG Dr Ramji Nigam and officials of the State Works Department on Thursday.
Though the meeting was an annual event ahead of the Rath Yatra, for the first time an officer of the rank of ASI ADG attended it. Renowned external experts like Dr AP Gupta, ex-Professor & HOD, IIT Kharagpur & Chairman of Technical Core Committee; DP Mishra, Bindheswar Patra and Dr BK Rath were also present. Dr Krishan Kumar said the annual repair and restoration works would be undertaken in the Garbhagruha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Jagannath Temple and other parts of the complex with strict adherence to Covid protocols when the Trinity would go for a nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple during Rath Yatra beginning from July 12. A micro work plan would be jointly developed by the ASI and the Works Department in this regard, he said, adding that it was decided to make a five-year action plan for comprehensive conservation works of various “Parshva” (inner side) temples and other parts of the temple complex. Official sources said that though the SJTA had earlier drawn attention of the ASI for repair of the small temples, the appeals had not been addressed. The Thursday meeting was considered significant as the ASI, for the first time, agreed for a five-year plan for the purpose, an official said.