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The long awaited gem treasury in Puri, Odisha, will soon be opened.
After almost 46 years, the Odisha government has made all preparations to count the priceless jewels and other items kept in this chamber. The vault was last opened in 1978 and its treasures were counted. Back then, the counting process took 70 days.
The BJP had promised in the recent Assembly elections that it would open up the treasury if it came to power.
Against this backdrop, a 16-member high-level committee headed by Justice Vishwanath Rath, a former judge of the Odisha High Court, was appointed. The committee has recommended to the government to open the vault today. All the committee members will enter the temple dressed in traditional attire and will first perform a special puja for Lord Jagannath. The snake catchers along with authorised officials will enter the vault first. There are fears that a huge venomous snake may be trapped inside as the room, which has been closed for over four decades, will soon be opened.
In case of poisonous bites, medical personnel will also be available for immediate treatment. All committee members entering the camp have been eating only vegetarian food for the past one week and are following all the rules.
Justice Rath said the process of identifying the gems in the treasury will be done under the supervision of a team of meteorologists and goldsmiths. It was explained that the treasures contained therein cannot be counted as the ASI will be carrying out restoration of the secret chamber. The treasures contained inside will be taken to another secure place in the temple and counted under tight security. The entire process will be video recorded. At this time, care is taken to ensure that no difficulties arise for the believers.
