Cracks in Kedarnath temple, sanctum sanctorum safe: ASI

Huge cracks have developed in some places in the Kedarnath shrine, which faced the fury of last month's floods, although the sanctum sanctorum has escaped damage, according to preliminary assessment of Archaeological Survey of India.

The ASI has been given the responsibility to restore the Kedarnath temple, which was damaged in the deluge and landslides last month. ASI's Dehradun circle team visited the shrine on July 11 to make a first hand assessment of damage.

'Our three-member team has visited the temple on July 11 and handed over the preliminary report to higher officials in Delhi. Report suggests that there was not much visible damage to the garbha griha,' Atul Bhargava, the Superintendent Archaeologist, Dehradun circle, told PTI.

'Maximum damage is to the eastern part of the Mandapa. The Ishaan temple is completely washed away in the flood. Several stones have been dislodged from the western gate and the exterior part of sanctum sanctorum. But it is really difficult to assess the actual damage till the debris is removed. There is still 2 to 6 feet debris there,' he said.

Meanwhile Dr B R Mani, assistant director general and the head of ASI team for restoration work of Kedarnath, said that this is just a preliminary assessment of damage and actual picture will be clear after the inspection of experts team.