Puri: Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has formally requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Puri Circle, to undertake a comprehensive survey and suggest permanent conservation measures to address recurring water seepage in the Meghanad Pracheri (outer wall) of the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri.
In a letter dated December 14, 2025, addressed to the Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI, the SJTA Chief highlighted that water leakage had been noticed at several points of the Meghanad Pracheri during the previous year.
Although initial repair works were carried out by SJTA engineers based on technical guidance provided by the ASI team, the issue has recurred.
The letter notes that fresh seepage has been observed at one location on the eastern side of the wall, accompanied by the growth of moss, indicating persistent moisture ingress.
The Chief Administrator stressed that considering the antiquity and sacred significance of the structure, the recurrence of seepage poses a potential risk to the long term structural health of the wall and requires urgent scientific attention.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr.Padhee has requested the ASI to undertake a thorough scientific investigation, including structural and material diagnostics, to identify the root cause of the seepage and to implement permanent conservation solutions in accordance with established protocols.
In the interim, to prevent any immediate damage to the structure, the SJTA has proposed to undertake necessary temporary repair works under the technical guidance and supervision of the ASI, Puri Circle.