Cyclonic storm may threaten Meghanada Pacheri of Jagannath temple

Bhubaneswar: The possibility of heavy to moderate showers under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is all likely to threaten the structure of the Meghanada Pacheri of the Jagannath temple, noted historian and heritage expert Anil Dhir warned.

The excavated pits near the Meghanada Pachir may fill up with water and in case of incessant rains, the structure will be vulnerable, Dhir said, urging the state government to take proper precautions to save the 12th-century structure.

The forecast of a low-pressure area forming over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has caused worry among the populace of the temple town of Puri, he said.

The possibility of heavy to moderate showers under the influence of the cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal had been forecast by the IMD.

Though the IMD has not predicted the possible track, movement and intensity of the system, it is worrisome as this is the first cyclone of the year, and occurring in March after a gap of over two decades.

Cyclones in the month of March are very few; only five have been reported since 1900. According to the latest IMD GFS model, the system might move towards Odisha and cross while being around 200 km away from its coast around March 24.

If the system intensifies into a cyclonic storm, it will be named 'Cyclone Asani'. Experts are of the opinion that the coastal areas of Odisha may experience heavy rainfall with a wind speed of 60 km to 70 km gusting to 80 km.

INTACH member Biswajit Mohanty has come down strongly against the authorities for allowing such wanton and irresponsible work around the delicate and fracturable wall of the Jagannath temple.

Such thoughtless acts are condemnable, he said adding the 'reckless and brash manner" in which the beautification work around the temple is being undertaken needs serious afterthought. Mohanty said the excavation work is being carried out without clearances from the ASI and the National Monuments Authority (NMA).

The thick walls of the temple wall may develop cracks and structural disability if water accumulates in the pits. Dhir has written to the authorities to take precautionary measures including installing pumps to drain out the water in case of heavy rains.

If required, adequate preventive measures should be taken near the excavation area to ensure the temple wall is not affected in any manner. According to Dhir, the pilgrim town has been experiencing an artificial flood-like situation with waist-deep water at various parts, including the low-lying areas during rains.

He said in the past crores of rupees sanctioned before the Nabakalebara festival in 2015 for improvement of the storm -water drainage on the Grand Road proved ineffective and the area remains waterlogged after rains.

In the present scenario, with such deep excavation all around the temple walls, waterlogging will spell doom for the temple structure and the walls, Dhir cautioned. According to heritage explorer Deepak Nayak, the Meghanada Pacheri was constructed during the reign of Gajapati Kapilendra Deva (1435-1460) while the Kurma Pacheri (inner compound wall) was built during the reign of Purushottama Deva, the son and successor of Kapilendra Deva (1467-1497).

The height of the Meghanada Pacheri varies from 20 feet to 24 feet and its thickness is six feet. Nayak said the walls should be preserved as they are an integral part of the Jagannath Temple, not only providing extra security to the inner complex but also making the temple unique and attractive. (UNI)