Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday discussed ongoing and future conservation projects at the 12th century Jagannath Temple in Puri.Chief administrator of SJTA, Arabinda Padhee, held the high-level meeting with the director general of the ASI, Yaduvendra Singh Rawat, and discussed collaborative steps between the two institutions to ensure the structural integrity, aesthetic grandeur, and spiritual sanctity of the temple. “This collaboration between ASI and SJTA is crucial for preserving this iconic temple’s architectural heritage and cultural significance,” Padhee said after the meeting.Among the key topics discussed was the conservation and restoration work within the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha-Griha) of the temple, which needs to be taken up with urgency and precision before the annual Ratha Yatra begins on June 27. The ASI assured timely intervention to minimise any impact on rituals or pilgrim movement. The completion of balance conservation and repair works of the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasure house, was also given priority.The SJTA urged ASI for expeditious action on this front to ensure both safety and sanctity.In line with the temple’s vision to become more inclusive, the officials reviewed the status of the ramp system under construction at the North Gate, which aimed to facilitate the entry of elderly and differently-abled devotees. Padhee stressed the need for early completion to improve accessibility. Proposals for air conditioning in the nata mandapa, where temple rituals and cultural events are held, and facade lighting for the main temple structure were also tabled.These improvements are expected to enhance both pilgrim comfort and the temple’s visual appeal, especially during festive evenings, official sources said.The ASI team discussed plans for conservation of the sloping roof of the Jagamohana, a critical architectural feature of the temple. Also, the need for lightning arrestors on high-rise subsidiary temples such as Bimala, Mahalaxmi, Bhubaneswari, Adi Nrusingha, and Surya temples was emphasised for safety.To strengthen the ageing support structures, the meeting also reviewed the reinforcement of vertical steel columns provided beneath the cantilever chali stone of both Jagamohana and Bhoga mandapa. Besides, chemical cleaning and surface treatment of the outer stone surfaces of the main temple to preserve its intricate carvings and to combat the effects of weathering and pollution were also discussed. Many senior officers of both SJTA and ASI were present during the meeting.