The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was requested by the authorities of Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, to conduct a scientific study of the boundary wall of the 12th century shrine as cracks were noticed there, reported PTI.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the custodian of the temple.

According to the report, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has written to the ASI stating that cracks have been found in the giant wall surrounding the temple complex.

In the letter, Padhee also requested the ASI for immediate repair and restoration of the boundary wall ‘Meghanad Pacheri’. He added that the civil construction wing of the SJTA has taken measures to prevent water leakage on the wall.

Apart from this, Padhee also mentioned that the SJTA has initiated a tender process to improve the drainage system of Anand Bazaar, a place inside the temple where people take ‘prasad’.

The temple administration also assured all support to the ASI in carrying out the repair work.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the matter was urgent and repair work would begin immediately to prevent further damage to the wall.

“Due to some mistakes made in the past, such problems have arisen,” PTI Padhee was quoted as saying which indicated construction work around the temple complex by the previous BJD government.

No secret chambers found inside Jagannath temple

In another report by Indian Express, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that there is no secret chamber inside the government treasury. Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The announcement comes after a study of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasure), carried out by senior scientists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in mid-September, says the report: adding that the committee may soon submit its final report to the temple administration.