Puri: The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has apologised for damage to lion idols of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri during cyclone Fani, said Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Temple Administration's Chief Administrator, today after a meeting of the temple management committee.

Lion idols on south and west side of the temple were damaged as scaffoldings set by the ASI around the temple had collapsed during the cyclone. The Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI apologised for the incident, said Mohapatra, adding that the idols have been replaced by the ASI.

The ASI has assured that such incidents will not recur, he said.

Speaking over the possible damage to the Nilachakra of the temple, the official said that drone cameras will be used to study the current status of the Nilachakra and the footage will be used exclusively for 'technical rectification'.