ASI team visits Konark Sun Temple, reviews sand evacuation work

A six-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited the Sun Temple in Konark on Wednesday to review the status of sand evacuation from the 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum) of the 13th-century temple. 

The team headed by ASI ADG Janhwij Sharma visited the temple and took stock of the preservation work being undertaken at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

"It was a regular inspection. It's a world heritage monument and we conduct inspections from time to time," ADG Janhwij Sharma told OTV.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the process of removal of sand from the Jagamohan (Assembly Hall) of the Sun temple started in January 2023. The construction company engaged by the ASI then erected a platform for the lift and fitted scaffolds using cranes. However, the work was later stopped due to some reasons. Six months later, the process resumed in August 2023.

While the mechanical working platform on the northwest side and southwest side, iron structure, and iron ladder works for safe movement to the first ‘pidha’ has been completed, the work for sand evacuation has been halted completely, sources said. 

The process of sand removal is targeted to be completed within three years.

As per the available information, a tunnel measuring four feet by five feet will be made on the second ‘pidha’ of the temple’s western gate to reach out to the sand. And through this hole, sand and debris will be taken out. The entire work is being monitored and executed by the ASI. 

Notably, the British had filled the Jagamohan with sand and sealed it in 1903 to protect it from collapsing.