BHUBANESWAR: After 119 years, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started removing sand from Jagmohan of Sun Temple in Konark on Thursday.
The sand filling was done by the British in 1903 to provide stability to the 13th century monument. The decision was welcomed by experts and researchers while people are excited about the initiative.
“ASI is quite confident of removing the sand successfully and we are taking the help of a private organization for technical know-how. ASI has the expertise in preserving and restoring old monuments successfully. Today we started construction of a working platform which will help in drilling, taking up and bringing materials from the temple top,” said Arun Mallik, ASI superintendent, Odisha circle. The ASI has targeted to empty the sand in three years and tied up with BDR Construction Pvt Ltd to carry out the work.
Mallik said, in the last two years ASI has conducted several studies and surveys of the structure including laser scanning to get an idea of the structure inside. The edifice of 13th century CE as standing now has been studied by the experts so far as the internal geometry, structural condition, foundation. with the help of modern technical devices. Moreover, opinions also obtained from the experts including renowned archaeologists, engineers and architects through seminars regarding removal of sands from inner side of the Jagamohana.
“Whatever we have studied so far is in pictures and from outside. Unless we open it, we don’t know what the real challenges are. A 6ft X 5 ft tunnel will be opened from the top of western side of the Jagamohan near the first pidha to create a passage. The main aim is to stabilize the structure and we are taking utmost precautions while evacuating the sand. After completion of the work the esteemed visitors of the globe will be get an opportunity to have a glance,” he pointed out.
Sources said, in a bid to provide structural stability to the crumbling structure it was sealed the 70ft high Jagmohan with sand under the instruction of Lieutenant Governor of Bengal J A Bourdillon in 1903.
“Starting from 1950 there has been a number of high-profile meetings and investigations involving specialists deputed by UNESCO and there are suggestions to remove the sand from the Jagamohan several times earlier. Though late the ASI has taken the right step and started the process of removing the sand filling. We welcome the step,” said Anil Dey, convenor of Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust. Dey has done extensive research on the Sun Temple of Konark and has written two books on the monument.
The ASI had accepted a proposal to remove sand from inside the Konark Temple, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site, at a national conference on ‘Conservation of Sun Temple’ attended by then Union Culture Minister in February 2020.
“It is indeed a bold decision taken by the ASI and we are hopeful that they will be successful in their endeavour. The sand removal was pending since long. There is imminent threat to the monument from the sand inside it so it is very important to remove it,” said Anil Dhir, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
The sand filling was done by the British in 1903 to provide stability to the 13th century monument. The decision was welcomed by experts and researchers while people are excited about the initiative.
“ASI is quite confident of removing the sand successfully and we are taking the help of a private organization for technical know-how. ASI has the expertise in preserving and restoring old monuments successfully. Today we started construction of a working platform which will help in drilling, taking up and bringing materials from the temple top,” said Arun Mallik, ASI superintendent, Odisha circle. The ASI has targeted to empty the sand in three years and tied up with BDR Construction Pvt Ltd to carry out the work.
Mallik said, in the last two years ASI has conducted several studies and surveys of the structure including laser scanning to get an idea of the structure inside. The edifice of 13th century CE as standing now has been studied by the experts so far as the internal geometry, structural condition, foundation. with the help of modern technical devices. Moreover, opinions also obtained from the experts including renowned archaeologists, engineers and architects through seminars regarding removal of sands from inner side of the Jagamohana.
“Whatever we have studied so far is in pictures and from outside. Unless we open it, we don’t know what the real challenges are. A 6ft X 5 ft tunnel will be opened from the top of western side of the Jagamohan near the first pidha to create a passage. The main aim is to stabilize the structure and we are taking utmost precautions while evacuating the sand. After completion of the work the esteemed visitors of the globe will be get an opportunity to have a glance,” he pointed out.
Sources said, in a bid to provide structural stability to the crumbling structure it was sealed the 70ft high Jagmohan with sand under the instruction of Lieutenant Governor of Bengal J A Bourdillon in 1903.
“Starting from 1950 there has been a number of high-profile meetings and investigations involving specialists deputed by UNESCO and there are suggestions to remove the sand from the Jagamohan several times earlier. Though late the ASI has taken the right step and started the process of removing the sand filling. We welcome the step,” said Anil Dey, convenor of Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust. Dey has done extensive research on the Sun Temple of Konark and has written two books on the monument.
The ASI had accepted a proposal to remove sand from inside the Konark Temple, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site, at a national conference on ‘Conservation of Sun Temple’ attended by then Union Culture Minister in February 2020.
“It is indeed a bold decision taken by the ASI and we are hopeful that they will be successful in their endeavour. The sand removal was pending since long. There is imminent threat to the monument from the sand inside it so it is very important to remove it,” said Anil Dhir, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).