In a momentous development, the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) denied statements made by Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Wednesday regarding the July 8 opening of Puri Srimandir’s Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove).
“A decision about Ratna Bhandar’s July 8 opening has not yet been made. A government official made comments about the situation and spread rumours to hide his own error. We’ll take appropriate measures against the offending government official. After reviewing the situation, a decision regarding the Ratna Bhandar’s opening will be made, according to Harichandan.
Puri Ratna Bhandar will open during Rath Yatra, ASI Superintendent DB Garnayak announced earlier in the day, which caused all of the confusion.
Garnayak had advised that a decision had been made at the meeting of the temple managing committee regarding this matter. In addition, he had stated that on July 8, the Ratna Bhandar would be opened in front of the technical and core committees for inspection.
“An inspection revealed cracks, some stones had fallen, and some iron rods were missing, according to the 2018 report. It wasn’t in good shape. Cracks in the joints and outer wall were found during the laser scanning process. Rainwater may be getting in through these cracks, Garnayak had stated.
Subsequently, Garnayak reiterated, “ASI is ready for the conservation work and the Odisha government will decide when to open the Ratna Bhandar.”
