Bhubaneswar, 24 April (H.S.): The Archaeological Survey of India has initiated the process of removing sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the Konark Sun Temple, with a strong emphasis on structural safety and precision.

Officials said the excavation for a tunnel began on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. In the initial phase, four skilled workers are carrying out the work manually without the use of machinery to avoid any potential damage to the heritage structure. By the end of the fourth day, a section measuring approximately 2 feet in width and 4 feet in length had been excavated.

A specialised monitoring team has been deployed to oversee the प्रक्रिया, ensuring that every stage of the operation adheres to strict safety and conservation standards.

Historical records suggest that during the British era, sand was filled into the temple’s sanctum sanctorum through a tunnel created from the western side, at a height of nearly 80 feet from the lower level of the first tier. This passage was later sealed with a stone wall after the filling was completed.

Authorities are currently conducting a detailed assessment of the temple’s stone structure, with plans to undertake two additional core drillings to better understand internal conditions. An earlier study by Indian Institute of Technology Madras indicated that the removal of sand would not pose any threat to the structural stability of the temple.

Based on these findings, the excavation and tunnel construction work has been taken up in a carefully monitored manner, marking a significant step in the conservation efforts of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda