ASI DG oversees conservation work of Sun temple

Konark: Director General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Dr Rakesh Srivastava today inspected the conservation work of the world famous Sun temple here.

Accompanied by Jiban Patnaik, superintendent of ASI’s Odisha branch, local archaeological officials and a team of experts, Srivastava inspected chemical treatment work and examined the stone idols.

“We have put up scaffolding around the temple and started conducting chemical treatment after cleaning up the areas with pulp treatment. We will withdraw the scaffolding after the work is completed,” Srivastava told media persons here.

Asked when the conservation work of the temple would be completed, he said he had no idea. “The technical staff, presently engaged in the conservation work of the temple, can give you correct information on this,” he added.

The ASI DG said he had come to oversee the ongoing Jagmohan repair work in Puri and Sun temple conservation work at Konark. "Besides, I have also come to inspect the excavation work near Konark," he said.

To a question on whether the ASI would be able to bring the Sun temple back to its shape, Srivastava said as per the ASI work ethics, it does not put up the exact replica of the original stones. “We put up new stones by replacing the damaged stones,” he pointed out.

“Conservation is a continuous process. Certain kinds of conservation works are taken up every year,” he said.

After staying at the temple for an hour, the ASI DG left for Puri.