Puri Jagannath temple’s boundary wall shows cracks; ASI called to act

Officials from the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, have called on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out a scientific survey of the boundary wall after cracks were detected. The ASI serves as the custodian of the temple, PTI reported.

Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee wrote to the ASI, noting that significant cracks have appeared on the massive wall surrounding the temple complex. He also requested immediate repair and restoration of the 'Meghanad Pacheri' (the boundary wall).

To address the issue, Padhee mentioned that the civil construction wing of the SJTA has already taken measures to prevent water leakage on the wall.


Additionally, a tender process has been initiated to enhance the drainage system of Anand Bazaar, a section within the temple where devotees receive 'prasad.'

The temple administration has assured the ASI of full cooperation in executing the necessary repair work.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, speaking to reporters on Sunday, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that repair work would begin promptly to avert further damage to the wall. He mentioned, "Due to some mistakes in the past, such issues have cropped up," referring to construction activities around the temple complex carried out by the previous BJD government.

Inputs from PTI