Konark sun temple condition deteriorating
Concerns have already been expressed by different quarters in Orissa over the deteriorating condition of the Sun temple in Konark following reports in a section of the local media that stones had fallen from the world-famous monument during a repair work recently.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is in charge of the safety and security of the thirteenth-century stone wonder.
According to Debi Prasad Mishra, the state minister for culture and tourism, though the Archaeological Survey of India has already denied the report while responding to clarifications sought by the State government on the issue, a high power committee consisting of representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India and state culture department and the Puri district administration had been formed to look into the matter in full detail.
The Konark temple is located within the jurisdiction of Puri district in coastal Orissa.
“The high power committee has been asked to visit Konark and submit its report to the government within a week”, Mishra said.
The issue was also debated in the state assembly recently with members from different political parties expressing their concern over the development.
While charging the ASI of not maintaining the historic monument properly, many members urged the government to take up the matter seriously with the government of India.
Pradeep Maharathi, a senior legislator from Puri district suggested that a house committee of the assembly led by the Speaker should visit the Konark temple to have a first-hand assessment of the monument’s condition.
