Ratna Bhandar at Risk of Collapse Without Urgent Repairs, Says Law Minister

Bhubaneswar: Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan made a significant statement regarding the repair work of the Ratna Bhandar (the royal treasury) of the Jagannath Temple. He stated that if repairs had not been undertaken, the Ratna Bhandar would have collapsed.  Speaking to journalists today, he mentioned that the repair work of the Ratna Bhandar has reached a crucial stage ahead of Snana Purnima (a major ritual). The repair work is being carried out without disrupting the temple’s daily rituals. Currently, the work is being done for about 1.5 to 2 hours a day. He further said that the damage to the structure was such that without intervention, it could have collapsed. That’s why this critical heritage structure, which has stood strong for 200 years, is now undergoing timely restoration. The repair process is being closely monitored. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not been pressured and is working at its own pace. Since ASI has limited time available, the delay in progress is understandable. Nevertheless, the government is aiming to complete the work before Snana Yatra, and efforts are being made to finish everything by the 8th of the month. The minister requested the public to wait until the repair work is fully completed.