ASI starts to clear sand from Konark

Bhubaneswar: After the Britishers in 1903 filled up the Konark Sun Temple’s Jagamohan, an assembly hall, to provide stability to the crumbling structure, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday started removing sand from the 13th century monument. The move, initiated as per the suggestions by the Unesco and other experts, was welcomed not only by researchers, but also common people hailed the decision.
The 130-ft high assembly hall had been filled up with sand under the instruction of then Lieutenant Governor of Bengal J A Bourdillon. “We are confident of successfully removing the sand. We are taking BDR Construction Pvt Ltd’s help for technical know-how. We have the expertise in preserving and restoring old monuments. Today we started construction of a working platform, which will help in drilling and transportation of equipment, debris etc. from the temple,” said ASI superintendent, Odisha circle, Arun Mallik. The ASI aims to clear the sand in three years.
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 Jagamohan.
“As per our research so far, we don’t know what the real challenges are unless we open it. A 6ftx5ft tunnel will be opened from the top of the western side of Jagamohan near the first pidha to create a passage. The aim is to stabilise the structure and we are taking utmost precautions while evacuating the sand. Following the work’s completion, visitors can get a glance in Jagmohan,” he added.