Konark: Experts have expressed their concern over the present condition of the Sun Temple at Konark as the sand filled inside the Jagamohan (assembly hall) over a century ago has sunk by 17 feet.
While the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has suggested for refilling the sand, some experts attending the 2-day National Conference on Conservation of Sun Temple Konark differ.
The CBRI had been studying the Sun Temple’s structure for several decades and had carried out a 3-D laser scan of the monument. It had submitted its report to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, who also attended the national conference, said steps for the preservation of the ancient structure would be undertaken after scrutinizing all reports.
At around 1905, the British government had sealed the interiors of the Sun Temple with sand to prevent the structure from collapsing. However, that huge quantity of sand has caused cracks on the structure from inside.
However, State Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi asserted that some experts claim the Sun Temple is safe. He further said that ASI is maintaining coordination with the State Government and he has requested a quarterly State-Level meeting under his chairmanship.
