Centre may undertake Jagannath Temple's 3D structural analysis

The Centre today said it would like to undertake a 3D structural analysis of the over 800-year-old Jagannath Temple in Puri to further strengthen it and assured the Odisha government that the 12th century shrine will remain intact.
"We are taking steps to see that the structure remains intact. There should be no danger to the temple. We will ensure that nothing untoward happens to it," Union Culture Secretary Narendra Sinha said after a high-level meeting here.
The meeting was attended by ASI Director General Rakesh Tiwari, Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi and others.
Admitting that there were cracks in beams and columns of the temple, Sinha said "Short-term measures will be taken immediately to protect the temple."

Stressing on 3D analysis of cracks which have developed in the structure, Sinha, who along with ASI DG inspected the temple earlier in the day, pointed out that the cracks were there for about 100 years, but they came to light only after deplastering the temple.
"We have to go deep to analyse the structure and take right steps so that other columns and beams are not affected. A 3D analysis is likely to be required. The experts of IIT Chennai, IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela and local core committee will study the damage," Sinha said, adding proper renovation work will be undertaken to protect the temple.

Asked if help of international experts would be taken in conservation of the temple, Sinha said, "IITs are good enough to tackle the problems. However, we do not rule out opinion of international monument experts. They are rather happy to help us. Our IIT people will say whether outside opinion and help are required."

He, however, could not say as to when exactly the repair and renovation of the Jagamohan, the prayer hall of the temple, would be completed.
Padhi, who presided over the meeting, said the state government is in agreement with the Centre and ASI for immediate repair of the Jagamohan.

"The repair work will start very soon, before the annual Rath Yatra (in July). However, the permanent work will be done after getting the report from IIT Chennai," Padhi said.
Earlier, the central team comprising Sinha, Tiwari and experts from IIT Chennai visited Jagannath Temple and inspected the damage of the Jagamohan. They also held a discussion with Gajapati King of Puri Divyasingha Deb and senior priests and sought their cooperation for its repair.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on had Wednesday visited the temple and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to speed up the repair of the Jagamohan.