BHUBANESWAR: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has raised serious concern over the recurrence of water seepage at the Meghanad Prachir (boundary wall) of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, urging the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take up immediate repair and long-term conservation measures to safeguard the centuries-old structure.
The issue came to light after fresh water leakage was detected at multiple locations of the Meghanad Prachir, particularly on its eastern side. In response, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee wrote to the Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI, Puri Circle, seeking urgent scientific intervention to prevent further deterioration of the sacred structure.
According to the SJTA, similar seepage had been noticed last year at several points along the Meghanad Prachir. At that time, repair works were undertaken by SJTA engineers under the technical guidance of the ASI, including removal of moss and sealing of cracks through grouting. While these measures had temporarily arrested the leakage, officials had stressed the need for a comprehensive and permanent solution.
However, despite those interventions, water seepage has resurfaced, triggering renewed concern among temple authorities. The latest seepage has been accompanied by the growth of moss on the wall surface, indicating persistent moisture ingress and raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of the earlier repairs.
In his official communication, Padhee requested the ASI to conduct a detailed scientific investigation of the structure, including structural assessment and material diagnostics, to identify the root cause of the recurring seepage. He emphasised that permanent conservation measures should be undertaken strictly in accordance with established conservation protocols to ensure the sanctity and structural integrity of the temple.
“I wish to invite your kind attention to the recurrence of water seepage observed at certain locations of the Meghanad Prachir of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri,” Padhee stated in his letter, recalling that similar issues had been flagged and addressed in the previous year. He noted that despite repair works carried out as per ASI’s technical advice, fresh seepage has now been noticed again, which is a matter of serious concern.
The Chief Administrator further pointed out that the seepage appears to be linked to cracks at several joints of the boundary wall, allowing dirty water from the Anand Bazaar drain to infiltrate the structure. The presence of moss over large portions of the wall suggests prolonged exposure to moisture, which could weaken the masonry over time.
Given the antiquity and religious significance of the Shree Jagannath Temple, SJTA officials warned that recurring water seepage poses a potential risk to the long-term structural health of the Meghanad Prachir. Padhee requested the ASI to initiate temporary repair works immediately, under ASI’s technical supervision, as an interim measure to prevent any immediate damage while a permanent conservation plan is finalised.
Notably, fresh leakage has now been observed at three different locations along the wall, indicating that the previous repair work has failed to provide lasting protection. The SJTA has reiterated its demand for a comprehensive scientific survey and a durable restoration strategy to ensure the preservation of the iconic boundary wall and the overall safety of the temple complex.
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