If everything went on as per plan, then lakhs of tourists visiting the Konark Sun temple in Orissa every year may soon be able to see the interior of the world famous monument.

At present, the tourists can enjoy only the exteriors of the temple as the entire inner part of the 13th century heritage is packed with sand.

The sand packing was given by the British government more than a century back to prevent the temple from crumbling.

According to sources in the state secretariat, the Centre has agreed to release Rupees 13 crore for the preservation and development of the famous monument popularly known as the ‘Black Pagoda’ which will include removal of the sand packing from its interiors.

The state government and the union culture ministry had a discussion on the subject recently.

A global tender will be floated for the purpose soon and the entire project will be implemented under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) which is currently looking after the 13th century edifice like other important monuments in the country.

Though the news has brought in happiness and curiosity among the people for whom the interiors of Konark temple had always remained a mystery, experts have already expressed their concern over the development.

According to them, a scientific study should be conducted on the safety of the historic monument before any attempt is made to remove the sand packs.