Konark: The sand will be removed from the sanctum sanctorum of the Sun Temple in Konark soon. On Saturday the ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat inspected the structure. He was accompanied by a 15-member expert team including the Puri Circle Officer. The team inspected the conservation of the Sun Temple and the sand removal from the sanctum sanctorum. In the past two years, the Archaeological Department has completed the construction of mechanical working platforms, iron scaffolding work and iron ladders for safe movement in the north-west corner and south-west corner of the temple. But it is worth mentioning here that, the work to remove sand from the Konark temple has been completely stopped. However now, after the construction of the platform, a 4 to 5-foot hole will be dug at the second level of the temple’s west gate to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Reports further said that, a target of three years was set for the sand to be removed safely from the sanctum sanctorum. But more than two years have passed and there has been no progress in this matter. Now, ASI DG Yadubir Singh Rawat has inspected the condition of the Sun Temple and has informed that the work shall be taken up.
Sand from sanctum sanctorum of Konark Temple to be removed soon: ASI
