Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Leaders cutting across party lines Sunday came down heavily on the Centre and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) over the delay in repair and restoration work of Puri Srimandir.
The temple structure has developed cracks, especially on the Jagamohan, which experts said needs immediate repair. The Jagamohan, the prayer hall of the temple complex, is an integral part of the 900-year-old historical monument that is under the maintenance of ASI.
BJD leader and spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb expressed serious concern over the delay in repair and restoration work of the cracks by ASI. “The way they (ASI officials) have rejected the proposal of the temple core committee and roped in experts from IIT Madras to conduct fresh inspection of the cracks is highly disappointing,” he said.
“If ASI continues with its dillydallying policy, the state government may have to take immediate measures required for the repair of Jagamohan,” Deb said. Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of the Congress hit out at the Centre. “ASI is not cooperating and does not have any interest in completing the repair and restoration of the temple within a stipulated time.” he said. “The Centre will also be equally blamed if the restoration work of Jagamohan is not done in time,” he said.
Senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra also blamed the ASI for not paying adequate attention to the maintenance and repair of the temple. “I hope the culture minister and ASI wake up from their slumber and the repair and restoration work is completed within time,” he said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s immediate intervention in this matter two days ago. Patnaik had said that the condition of Jagamohan is alarming because of deterioration in its critical structural components resulting in dislodging, cracking of stone layers atop the pillar head of the four central columns and extensive structural cracks in the stone beams over these columns supporting the pyramidal roofing structure. Incidents of stones falling from the pockets have also been reported, Patnaik had informed Modi.
The core committee formed to inspect the cracks had estimated an expenditure of `2.5 crore towards purchase of stainless steel to be used in the repair work.