Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, Dec 18:

Experts have called for immediate steps for restoration of the 800-year-old world famous Konark temple in Odisha’s Puri district as a study showed that the sand filled inside the ruined edifice has bulged downwards.

As per reports, the sand filled inside the Jagamohana of the Sun Temple has slumped four feet than its prior level.

The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) at Roorkee, Uttar Pradesh had conducted an endoscopic photography of the historic monument to ascertain the condition of the world heritage site’s interiors and also to ensure its proper conservation and safety.

The 3-D laster scanning revealed that stones have dislodged from inside and found fallen on the ground. Besides, the iron beam erected to support the structure from inside has also caved in.

The experts of the working group to oversee the safety and conservation of the 13^th century temple have expressed their concern and expressed that it might collapse, if timely measures are not taken.

Of the three levels inside Jagamohana, the sand level has gone down by two levels. The British era beams have also destabilized. The digitized references have clearly indicated those, they said.

The experts had met at Pantha Niwas in capital city recently where they voiced their concerns over the safety of Jagamohana. The members resolved to take permanent curative measures to prevent it from futher decay.

It may be mentioned here that Jagamohan was filled with sand during the renovation of the temple in 1903 under instructions of then Lt Governor of Bengal JA Bourdillon. The four entrances to the structure were sealed off and its inside filled with sand so as to prevent the structure from collapsing.

Notably, the research institute last year had also carried out a 3-D laser scan of the monument using a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Five robotic cameras were inserted to the temple’s interior from four sides through its wall and also from the temple’s top.

The 3-D scan gives a clear, digital picture of the entire layout and structure of the temple.