Bhubaneswar: Initiating measures to save the pride of Odisha’s culture and heritage, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday shot a letter to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma urging an immediate intervention into the water drainage problem at the Sun Temple of Konark.
In his letter, Patnaik stated that the flooding problem in Konark Temple poses a severe threat to the World Heritage Monument.
“The Sun Temple of Konark is a World Heritage Monument declared by UNESCO in 1984. This temple complex is now facing a perpetual problem of water logging which affects the temple very much causing problems to the visiting tourists as well as hurting the emotions of the people. The orientation of the Sun temple at Konark is facing the east,” the letter read.
The CM further stated, “It is now imperative to take up the measures to drain out water from the temple premises for enhancing the longevity of the temple complex as well to facilitate the visitors to witness the glory and grandeur of the standing 13th century edifice.”
Urging to find a permanent solution to the persistent problem of water logging, Patnaik stated, “The Archaeological Survey of India — the custodian of the temple may be asked to take up immediate steps for proper drainage of water on a permanent basis. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the State Government would be extremely keen to take up the drainage work, if Archeological Survey of India gives due permission. However, what is important is that the flooding problem that poses threat to this World Heritage Monument is immediately attended to and a permanent solution is found.”