The Archaeological Survey of India has started putting up working platforms around the 13th-Century Konark Sun Temple, which is dubbed one of seven wonders of India, for assessing the atmospheric and structural and conditions inside the famous temple, which is stocked with tonnes of sand.
The series of assessments would help experts decide whether the sand could be drawn out from the Centuries-old structure. Britishers had filled Jagamohan, the temple’s assembly hall, with sand 119 years ago to provide the edifice stability.
“The issue of sand removal from Konark Temple is a highly contentious one. Some are of the view that it would be damaging for the temple if we empty sand while others want the temple to be completely burdened off sand,” Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI’s Puri circle.
