Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Srimandir technical committee and the state works department have expedited process for the installation of stainless steel frames at Jagamohan, scheduled to begin in the first week of February.
Sources said the Shree Jagannath temple administration (SJTA) will demolish a few storerooms on the temple premises to facilitate installation of stainless steel frames at Jagamohan for strengthening the dilapidated structure. “The temple administration has planned to demolish a few small storehouses near the structure by January end. It has sent communiqué in this regard to Srimandir servitors,” said a SJTA official.
According to sources, temple superintending engineer Bindheswar Patra and technical committee member NC Pal and had gone to Mumbai to observe fabrication of stainless steel frames for the shrine renovation.
Moreover, Srimandir technical committee chief Gopal Chandra Mitra, Pal, engineer Padmalochan Mahapatra and officials of the works department examined Jagamohan structure and took stock of its renovation Friday. “Repair works to the capital stones of Jagamohan pillars have reached their last phase. ASI employees have completed renovation of six pockets at the dilapidated structure. Installation of steel frames will be initiated in February first week and completed by June 5,” said Mitra.
In a related development, the district administration has acquired private and mutt lands near Srimandir to beautify its surroundings. According to sources, the administration has acquired around one acre land under Manikarnika Sahi, Kalikadevi Sahi, Baseli Sahi and Chudanga Sahi for the beautification project.
“We have prepared a blueprint for the beautification project and prepared an estimate of `700 crore. Construction work for the project will be initiated after receiving an approval from the state government,” said an official of the district administration.
Managements of some mutts and a few private individuals had filed cases in the Orissa High Court and Supreme Court of India while opposition land acquisition for the project. However, the judiciary had allowed the administration to acquire land for beautifying Srimandir surroundings. “We have acquired small plots of several mutts including Uttar, Trimali, Rebesa, Badaakheda, Languli, Emar, Punjabi, Toranichhatra, Sanachhata and Gopal Bhawan for the project. Moreover, landed properties of some private individuals have also been acquired for the purpose. The administration has planned to distribute compensation to the tune of `34 crore to the land losers,” added the official.
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