In a concerning development, a crack has been discovered in the lower portion of the gumuta of Lord Jagannath’s Srimandir’s north gate in Puri, Odisha. The crack, located in the lotus-shaped structure, poses a potential threat of falling into pieces in the future. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been actively involved in the conservation of Srimandir, the emergence of this crack has raised questions about the effectiveness of the ongoing conservation efforts.
Despite ongoing conservation work, the crack was only revealed after the recent clearing of earth as part of the Sri Jagannath Parikrma project. ASI conservation assistant Jyotiprakash Pradhan confirmed the ongoing conservation work and assured that the cracked portion would also undergo necessary conservation measures.
Devotees and cultural outfits have expressed their concern, emphasizing the cultural significance and symbolic importance of the Jagannath temple. Urgent repairs have been demanded to ensure the safety of the structure and prevent any potential harm to visiting devotees. The crack has underscored the need for immediate attention to safeguard this iconic cultural heritage.
