Iron scaffoldings of Konark Sun temple to be removed : Orders CBRI
Officials of Archaeological Survey of India that is in charge of upkeep and maintenance of the temple said a three-member team of Central Building Research Institute gave their assent to remove the iron scaffoldings around the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark, a world heritage site, after inspecting the temple.
This decision has taken after Roorkee-based Central Building Research Institute said they were not required anymore.
“Contrary to popular misconceptions, the scaffolding is not supporting the temple. That was erected for going up the temple to study the structure and document its conditions. Central Building Research Institute has submitted two volumes of report after its study.” ASI Bhubaneswar circle superintendent Arun Mallik said.
Mallik said in 2015, CBRI had carried out a 3-D laser scan of the monument using a ground penetrating radar. It had inserted 5 robotic cameras in the temple’s interior from four sides through its wall and also from the temple’s top. The 3-D scan gave a clear picture of the entire layout and structure of the temple.
The Sun Temple was built at Konark by Ganga dynasty king Langula Narasingha Dev about 800 years ago to worship the Sun god. About 1,200 stone craftsmen and artists constructed the temple over a period of 16 years.
The team of experts will inspect the condition of different parts of the temple and collect sand samples of the Garbha Gruha.
The iron scaffoldings were installed to support the stones placed on the temple premises. Tourists were unable to see the fine art work of the temple due to the scaffoldings.
“CBRI has been studying the situation at Konark Sun Temple for many years to identify the problems and find possible solutions. The process of removing the scaffoldings will be completed in the coming months.” Said ASI Superintendent, Arun Mallick.
