Konark Sun Temple faces a major security lapse as CCTV cameras remain defunct for years

For years, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Sun Temple in Odisha has been in a vulnerable state, with security arrangements relying solely on a handful of guards. The situation has reportedly deteriorated to the point where anyone can enter and exit the premises at will.

Most shocking is the fact that the surveillance cameras installed in 2015 have been non-functional for years. The iconic Konark Sun Temple is currently facing a serious security lapse. The premises appear wide open, with inadequate surveillance and control — visitors are roaming freely wherever and however they please, leaving the protection of the 'Black Pagoda' to fate.

A closer look at the site reveals the state of security. This globally renowned monument is being guarded by only a handful of private security personnel. Apart from basic checks at the entrance gate, the rest of the 12-acre campus remains largely unmonitored.

Back in 2015, as part of enhanced security measures, authorities had installed 15 high-definition Wi-Fi CCTV cameras at key locations — including the perimeter fencing, main entrance, ticket counter, ticket check gate, and the exit gate near the Nabagraha pedestal. However, after functioning for a short period, all cameras have become defunct for the past two years.

"CCTV cameras have been lying defunct for a long time. If anything happens, nobody will have any clue. ASI, police, and the administration will not be able to know anything about the incident. It should be fixed immediately. Why has it not been fixed yet? Had it occurred in Delhi, would it have been left like this? asked Bharat Chandra Padhi, a local resident.

The current situation raises concerns over the safety and preservation of one of India’s most treasured historical monuments. Despite the presence of multiple security personnel and tight security arrangements at the Srimandir, an intruder managed to breach the Meghnada wall. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security of other heritage sites as well. For years, the Konark Sun Temple has remained in a neglected state, heightening apprehensions about its safety. 

"We will not be able to know the presence of any terrorist or any miscreant due to the absence of CCTCV cameras. All the CCTV cameras installed in 2015 have been lying defunct. There is also no place to keep the luggage of the tourists," rued Satrujit Nayak, a social worker.

Must Read: A Blueprint Of ‘Konark Sun Temple’, Gangeshwari Temple In Odisha’s Puri

In response to the allegations, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated that the CCTV cameras will be repaired at the earliest.

"We have recently started the process in this regard.  We have asked our headquarters to provide an ample number of CCTV cameras to install those round the temple. CCTV cameras will be installed at the entrance and the gateways very soon. We have already started the process. We had some technical issues that have been solved. The process will be completed soon," said ASI Superintendent GB Gadanayak.