Bhubaneswar: Before taking any decision
on removal of sand filling from interior of Jagamohan (front
audience hall) of the Sun Temple at Konark, the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) has set up a steering committee to study
its possible impact on the structure.
This was stated by ASI`s Additional Director General
(ADG) Pravin Srivastav after a two-day workshop on
conservation of the 13th century monument yesterday.
"We are expecting a plan of action report from the
steering committee within next six to eight months. Based on
the report, ASI will decide its future course of action,"
Srivastav said adding four sub-committees would assist the
panel and verify different aspects of the Konark temple.
As many as 65 experts comprising archaeologists,
architects, engineering professors, researchers, historians,
ASI experts and local artisans participated at the two-day
workshop held at Konark.
The 13th century monument which was a victim to the
nature`s furry had already lost its main temple and `nata
mandap` (dancing hall) leaving behind only `Jagamohan` as the
reminder of the then Kalingan architecture skills.
Sand was filled inside Jagamohan of the temple in 1903
after examination at the instruction of the then Lt Governor
Sir John Woodburn, records said.
PTI
