Puri: The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar at the Shree Jagannath Temple here was opened today for shifting of the valuables of the treasure trove to a strongroom.

An 11-member core committee, as planned, entered the inner chamber at around 9.51 am to shift the valuables from almirahs and chests to a temporary strongroom at Khata Seja Ghara, located adjacent to Ratna Bhandar's outer chamber gate.

The entire procedure was being recorded on camera to ensure transparency.

Following the shifting, the Ratna Bhandar will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for structural examination and necessary conservation repairs.

To secure the temporary strongroom, three new locks have been prepared, which will be sealed in the presence of a magistrate. Additionally, individual locks have been made for each almirah and chest where the valuables will be stored in the strongroom.

The strongroom has been fortified with grills, lights, CCTV cameras, and fire safety equipment to ensure the safety of the treasures.

Inventory of the jewels and ornaments may require over a month’s time, said Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. This inventory process is likely to continue for a period of 30 to 40 days, he said.

The last inventory held in 1978 had continued for around 70 days.