ASI Core Committee Inspects Sand Evacuation Progress at Konark’s Sun Temple

Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) core committee, led by Additional Director General (Conservation and World Heritage) Janhwij Sharma, conducted a detailed inspection of the Sun Temple in Konark on Saturday. The team reviewed the ongoing sand evacuation work inside the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, a project crucial to preserving the historic structure.

The six-hour inspection included a comprehensive assessment of the temple’s structural condition. Accompanied by technical experts, the team examined various aspects of the site to ensure the safety and stability of the monument as the sand removal progresses.

After the on-site review, a meeting was convened with technical specialists and local officials to discuss the project’s status and safety measures. Sources indicated that the discussions prioritized structural integrity and methods to mitigate risks during the sand evacuation process.

The sand removal work began on September 8, 2022, more than two years after it was approved at a national conference on Sun Temple conservation held in February 2020. This project, handled by BDR Construction Pvt. Ltd., is part of a three-year plan to clear sand that was historically introduced into the garbhagriha to stabilize the structure during British rule.

Earlier inspections, including a six-member ASI team visit on September 18 this year, have underscored the meticulous planning required for the project. The Sun Temple, often referred to as the “Black Pagoda,” holds immense cultural and architectural significance as Odisha’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site.