The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to start the inspection work of the 'Ratna Bhandar' of the 12th-century shrine in Puri following an appeal made by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). The ASI is about to kick start work for renovation and repair of the Lord’s treasury. 

The ASI move will be in response to a letter addressed to it on Saturday by the SJTA. 

In its letter, the SJTA has asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to start the inspection work of the 'Ratna Bhandar' of the 12th-century shrine in Puri before undertaking repair and renovation of the Lord's treasury. 

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The SJTA Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee in a letter to the ASI DG urged the central agency to take over the Ratna Bhandar and initiate scanning and geo-physical investigation using latest technology, conservation, repair and restoration of inner and outer chambers of the treasury of Lord Jagannath's temple in Puri, PTI report said. 

“With both the inner and outer chambers of the treasury empty, the SJTA feels that the inspection works are required amid apprehensions about the presence of some secret tunnels or chambers inside the Ratna Bhandar.”