Post News Network
New Delhi: Cracks have surfaced in the stone beams of the 12th century Jagannath temple in Puri during the recent de-plastering work, Lok Sabha was informed Monday.
“During the recent de-plastering work in the interior of Jagmohan of Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri, some cracks have been noticed in the stone beams,” Union culture minister Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply to the House.
Experts from the Archaeological Survey of India, IIT Madras and Core Technical Committee for the temple visited the shrine and submitted reports (in this regard), the Minister said.
‘‘The suggestions have been examined and essential conservation work is attended to regularly to maintain the temple’s legacy for future generations,’’ he added.
Earlier, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sought direct intervention of the Union culture minister in this regard. “I seek your personal intervention to direct the ASI to send their best technical experts in the matter and proceed to take up repair and restoration work at the earliest,” Patnaik had written to Sharma.
“The Jagamohan of Shri Jagannath temple, the holiest shrine in the state and an institution of unique importance in India, has developed several cracks. After deplastering of the inner surface of the structure, it was noticed that four column capitals and eight stone beams have developed cracks which might affect its structural stability,” Patnaik said in the letter.