Experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bhubaneswar along with several others have started mulling a strategic plan to ensure the safety of the historic Sun Temple in Konark after the excavation of sand from the shrine's premises.
As per reports, the expert panel will contemplate finding a precise method to excavate sand from the temple premises so that it will have no adverse impact on the physical structure of the ancient architectural marvel. Later, the experts will interpret the findings of the panel to the archaeological department.
A three-day meeting kick-started on Monday at Konark Yatri Niwas where the experts will discuss the favourable conditions and the hitches which are likely to be faced during the excavation of sand. Moreover, the expert panel, during the top-level meeting, will discuss the history and heritage of the shrine. The panel will also discuss the religious and scientific facts associated with worshipping of Sun God and its influence.
On the first day of the meeting, the panel discussed the significance of different places across the world where the Sun is worshipped. The experts also discussed the base of constructing the architectural marvel in Konark, the importance of worshipping the sun and its related scientific facts.
Along with that, the experts shed light on the ancient techniques using which the famous Sun temple was constructed and the present condition of the shrine's physical structure.
Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Biju Patnaik University Of Technology (BPUT)'s former Vice-Chancellor and noted educationalist Professor Omkarnath Mohanty, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, R Balakrishnan and Bhubaneswar IIT Director Professor RV Rajakumar and several other experts from different fields were a part of the panel organised by the technical institute.