Cuttack: Inspection of the underside of natmandap (dancing hall) of the Puri Jagannath temple by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not started because of rush of visitors.

The ASI's technical core committee and engineers of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration made a joint inspection of the roof ceiling above the Garuda stamba inside the natmandap on December 15 by removing a cracked plaster and felt that examination of the entire ceiling was necessary. But, no work has been taken up so far.

ASI (Bhubaneswar circle) superintending archaeologist H.A. Naik said on Monday the administration had then informed that space would not be available inside the natmandap till the first week of January due to excessive number of pilgrims. "Therefore, the de-plastering and inspection will be taken up after space is available after a week," Naik said.

During removal of a cracked plaster, some major structural cracks appeared on the stone beam below the plaster. "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 the pillar heads," Naik said. "A restoration scheme can be finalised after thorough checking with de-plastering in these locations."

After the joint inspection, the ASI filed an affidavit in Orissa High Court on December 19. Taking note of it, the high court had posted the matter to January 17 for hearing.