President Patil visits Konark temple

As the President and her family went round the 13th century architectural wonder, members of the Konark Surakshya Samiti conveyed to her their worries over the safety of the temple.

They alleged that the Archaeological Survey of India is neglecting the conservation and maintenance of the site and sought her intervention in the issue.

The Samiti also handed over a memorandum to the President in this regard and she promised to look into the matter, Samiti's president Sarat Jaya Singh said.

The President, accompanied by husband Devisingh Shekhawat, her family members and Orissa Governor M C Bhandare, spent about 30 minutes in the temple complex.
Patil and her husband described the structure as an 'architectural wonder' and underlined the need for its proper conservation.

A large number of people from the area also gathered near the temple to have a glimpse of the President.