ASI to assess Fani damage to Jagannath, Sun temples

A team of senior officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday reached cyclone-ravaged Odisha to assess the quantum of structural damages to the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark.

The Union Culture Ministry said, in a tweet, that ASI Director General Usha Sharma, accompanied by a team of senior officials, is assessing the damages caused to the heritage temples by the Cyclone Fani.

Another official said that the team are estimating the specifics of the damage.

The ASI team now will suggest restoration exercise needed for the monuments and the surrounding areas. A report is expected soon.

Earlier, the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI Bhubhaneshwar Circle inspected the monuments and "found no major damage to structure of the temple but damages only on the surface".

The office of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in a tweet on Friday, said that he had drawn attention of Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma to damage to these temples.

The state government had sought direction to the ASI for deputing a high level team to assess damage and implement remedial measures ahead of important cultural event of Rath Yatra in Puri, which is slated for July 4.

--IANS

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