The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Director General (DG) has rejected the estimate made by the core committee and formed a panel led by joint ASI DG to re-inspect the condition of the Jagamohan in the Shree Jagannath Temple and make a fresh estimate.
The core committee had estimated an expenditure of Rs2.5 crore for purchase of stainless steel to be used in the repair work. A high-level meeting of the ASI held on May 5 in New Delhi had disapproved of such a plan and formed another committee for survey.
As per the fresh plan, the committee led by the ASI joint DG would inspect the cracked area of the Jagmohan again with the help of an expert from IIT, Madras. The ASI, which questioned the permanent security of the steel beam and pillar, would search for an alternative to steel, sources said.
The Jagamohan core committee had planned to purchase 64 tonnes of steel to repair four beams and eight pillars which have developed cracks.
Meanwhile, worried over the development, law Minister Arun Sahu has convened a core committee meeting on Friday at the State Secretariat to find out a solution.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, core committee members and ASI representatives would remain present in the meeting.