The Hindu : National : ‘Konark temple crumbling’

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Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009
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‘Konark temple crumbling’

BHUBANESWAR: Voicing concern over the safety of the Sun Temple at Konark and alleged smuggling of antique pieces from there, a body working for its protection on Sunday demanded the formation of an expert committee to supervise the preservation of the 13th century wonder. The Konark Surakshya Samiti, which has been spearheading a movement for the safety of the structure, also announced a plan for an indefinite mass dharna starting on November 17 at the temple until its demands, including free entry on Saturdays, were met.

Alleging that the edifice was crumbling and stones falling off due to negligence by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Samiti president Sarat Jay Singh said no concrete steps were taken for conservation and that the work done was superficial, causing more harm than good. While the recommendations of various expert committees were ignored, the basic need for a proper drainage system had not been made, causing the submergence of major parts of the structure during rains, Mr. Singh and Samiti convenor Surendranath Mishra told journalists here. — PTI

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