Bhubaneswar: A high-level technical team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) would conduct a reconnaissance survey of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple on September 18.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has given its approval to the ASI to conduct the survey on September 18 to find out whether any secret chamber is there inside the treasury or not.
The ASI will initiate scanning and geo-physical investigation using the latest technology, conservation, repair and restoration of inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar.
With both the inner and outer chambers of the treasury empty, the SJTA feels that the inspection works are required amid apprehensions about the presence of some secret tunnels or chambers inside the Ratna Bhandar.
After shifting all valuables and empty chests and almirahs from the Ratna Bhandar, the SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee has earlier asked the ASI to start technological scanning and inspection work of the Ratna Bhandar for its preservation and restoration.
The SJTA Chief Dr. Padhee had also urged ASI to conduct the necessary inspection work through IIT or CBRI-like institutions that have expertise while ensuring no adverse impact on the 12th-century shrine. Once the necessary survey and inspection works are completed, the process for the repair works will begin, the SJTA mentioned in the letter.
All the seven empty iron chests and almirahs were shifted from the Ratna Bhandar to a room near Niladri Vihar museum located on the premises of the 12th-century shrine.
Jewellery and other precious items stored in those containers were shifted to temporary strong rooms inside the temple in two phases in July when the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after 46 years for an inventory of valuables and the repair of its structure.