ASI begins sand removal process from Konark Sun Temple’s sanctum after 122 Years

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun the long-awaited process of removing sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the Konark Sun Temple, marking a major milestone in the structural conservation of the 13th-century monument. The operation commenced on Monday with the construction of a 4 ft × 4 ft tunnel on the western side of the sanctum’s first platform, following prior examinations of the stone wall’s condition.

The activity follows Saturday’s customary rituals, after which the ASI initiated a 17-inch core drilling exercise. The procedure was supervised by ASI Superintendent D. B. Garnayak and Regional Director Dilip Khamari, along with a 10-member expert team that inspected and reviewed the structural integrity of the site.

Expert Team Reviews Internal Condition

The sanctum was originally filled and sealed with sand and stones by the British administration in 1903 to prevent further structural damage, and it has remained unopened for 122 years. To evaluate the chamber’s internal state, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, conducted laser scanning, endoscopic studies, and deployed robotic cameras inside the sealed space.

The survey revealed that nearly 17 feet of compacted sand still remains inside the chamber, while the iron beams and stones supporting the sanctum’s roof were found to be unstable and hanging loosely.

In 2011, an international workshop was convened to deliberate conservation strategies, following which the Orissa High Court appointed amicus curiae to examine the monument’s condition. A high-level ASI meeting in 2020 finally cleared the decision to proceed with the sand-removal process.

Speaking on the technical assessment, ASI Superintending Archaeologist D. B. Garnayak said:
“A core drill was made to assess the strength of the wall. After that, we will get to know the thickness of the wall. Based on that information, further steps will be taken to strengthen it.”

The ongoing operation is expected to provide crucial insights into the sanctum’s stability and guide the next phase of conservation efforts for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.