In a letter to Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Dev, eminent sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik has urged for reopening of the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple.
Pattnaik said since the ASI has already sought inspection of the Ratna Bhandar to ascertain its inner condition after allegation of rainwater leakage, the temple’s managing board needs to press the Government to reopen the treasure trove.
In support of their demand, some organisations have already launched a signature drive in the city for the last two days. In response to the demand, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has already constituted a 7-member committee in a meeting of Chatisa Nijog on Friday. The SJTA will take necessary steps after submission of the report by the committee, sources said.
The letter of Pattnaik also bears immense importance in the sense that he is presently a sitting member of the managing board of Jagannath Temple with the Gajapati being its chairman. Earlier, the sand artist had stood by the ASI, which has already written to the SJTA for inspection of the treasure trove and its repair if need be. Pattnaik also raised concern over the safety of the Ratna Bhandar.