The Hindu : New Delhi News : Restoration of Konark temple shelved

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Restoration of Konark temple shelved

Further study to be conducted

Plan to remove sand from the temple is dropped
Feasibility of taking such a step will be considered

The Sun Temple of Konark

New Delhi: A move to clear sand from the Konark temple, a world heritage site in Orissa, has been shelved for now after an Italian expert advised against such attempt without a further study on it.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the agency conserving the 800-year-old black pagoda, will now carry out a technical study on the possible impact of such a measure.

“Earlier there was a plan to remove the sand from the temple. But an Italian expert, who studied the feasibility of such work, has said that more diagnosis is required,” Director General of ASI Anshu Vaish told PTI.

The ASI had initiated such a move a year ago. The purpose was to vacate the sand and start repair and restoration works to protect the monument from further damage.

Last year, an expert team from Delhi had visited Konark and inspected the entrance temple, which is filled with sand since 1903.

A global tender was supposed to be floated for taking out sand from the sealed chamber.

“Konark is an important monument. We do not want to take any risk,” Vaish said.

The Italian expert has submitted a report to the ASI in which he said a comprehensive study was required to assess the possible impact before taking the risk.

The risk factor is that whether the structure would further decay after the sand is removed.

The detailed technical diagnosis will involve many aspects, including the condition of the structure, the level of sand inside and the support provided by the sand to the structure. - PTI

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