Puri: The Gumuta of Puri Srimandir’s North Gate (Uttara Dwara or Hasti Dwara) has developed multiple cracks. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conservation assistant Jyotiprakash Pradhan today inspected the part where cracks appeared.
According to a private source, the lower part of the Gumuta has developed a long crack. The structure is eroding and small pieces of stone are gradually coming out of it. A major crack was spotted nearly two feet above the Gumuta’s base and it is about one and a half metre in length.
However, this triggered strong resentment today among devotees across Odisha.
“Some parts of the Gumuta have become a little bit loose and thereby pose a serious threat. The stone structure could collapse if immediate repair is not carried out,” some devotees said.
“ASI is in charge of maintenance of the 12th Century shrine. How such a major crack was not noticed earlier and was left to erode?” the devotees questioned.
