Gundicha Temple Reopening Postponed Over Safety Concerns
The Gundicha Temple in Puri will not reopen to the public on December 1 as authorities initially announced. Instead, officials postponed the plan after urgent reports from the Additional Chief Engineer and senior temple supervisors emphasised the need to prioritise devotees’ safety.
Earlier, Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee declared that the temple would welcome devotees from December 1. However, subsequent inspections revealed that ongoing repair and conservation work demanded more time. The Additional Chief Engineer’s report identified unfinished tasks, including installing steel beams and laying khondolite stones inside the temple.
Furthermore, the senior supervisor’s report highlighted that temple gardens and surrounding areas required thorough cleaning and upgrades to ensure visitor safety. As a result, the management committee reviewed these findings and advised delaying the reopening until workers complete all pending tasks.
Consequently, the decision underscores the administration’s cautious approach to temple conservation. Moreover, officials stressed that structural stability and safety improvements must come first before devotees gain access. Ultimately, the Gundicha Temple will reopen only after restoration efforts guarantee both heritage preservation and a secure environment for worshippers.
