By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 6, 2017 : Coming under pressure from public, state government and Odisha High Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has finally agreed to spend about Rs 3.71 crore towards the cost of portal steel frame at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.

About 71 tonne of steel will be utilized to put up the steel frame at the Temple.

ASI Director General (DG) has approved the cost estimate Rs 3,71,71,000 for the portal steel frame for repair of Jagamohana-the prayer hall adjoining the sanctum santorum of the temple.

In this regard, the ASI also has submitted an affidavit in the Orissa High Court in this regard.

The state government’s Works department will float tenders for the purpose. Portions of the Bhandar Ghara and Ghata Seja Ghara will be demolished during the fixing of the portal steel frame.

“We had submitted an estimate of Rs 3,71, 71,000 to the ASI through its Superintendent in Odisha. It has been approved by the ASI’s DG in New Delhi. The ASI has submitted in an affidavit to the High Court that its DG has approved the estimate,” informed Niroj Kumar Das, Executive Engineer Works Department, Puri speaking to reporters.