Cuttack: A restoration scheme for the Natamandap of Puri Jagannath temple can be finalised after removal of the plasters from its ceiling and assessing the condition of beams, amicus curiae N.K. Mohanty has told Orissa High Court.

Mohanty, an advocate and also an engineer, was designated by the high court to assist it in monitoring restoration work of Natamandap or dancing hall.

On December 18 last year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) spotted two structural cracks on one beam after a portion of it was de-plastered. In his report Mohanty has said: "As only a part of the stone beam has been de-plastered, it is apprehended that similar distress might be there in the remaining three stone beams and their bearing column capitols (pillar heads)."

The report submitted in the court on February 2 also suggests de-plastering before finalising the restoration scheme. The court has fixed March 6 for further monitoring of the work and submission of an ASI progress report in the form of an affidavit.

The ASI had taken up renovation work of the Natamandap on high court orders that were issued after Mohanty submitted a report on November 8 pointing to the condition of roof ceiling above the Garuda Stamba. The ASI had suggested urgent attention to the condition of the ceiling.

The ASI has put in place a temporary support system for inspection of the cracked stone beam near Garuda Stambha from February 21 to 23 to arrive at an appropriate methodology for renovation.

The support system with mild steel props has been erected adjacent to the two pillars of the Natamandap near Garuda Stambha.

The ASI maintained that the support system had been planned for the safety of the pilgrims, while ensuring that no further damage was caused to the structure because of the de-plastering work undertaken earlier.

According to the amicus curiae's report, two structural cracks - one of narrow width below the beam and a wide one on another side of the beam running across the full depth - were observed in the zone where the ASI was undertaking de-plastering. "At this stage, the structural restoration scheme shall depend on examination of interiors of the Natamandap," Mohanty said.