‘Konark temple conservation demands urgent attention’

Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: As the condition of the Sun Temple at
Konark, popularly known across the globe as ‘Black Pagoda’ is deteriorating
fast without proper conservation initiatives by Archeological Survey of India (ASI)
which is in charge of protection and preservation of the monument, the Konark
Suraksha Samiti (KSS), a frontline citizens’ forum spearheading the movement to
save the Sun Temple, on Sunday threatened agitation if the concerned
authorities fail its proper conservation and safety.

“While the temple is fast losing its glory due to the
deterioration and the neglect by the ASI neither the State nor the Central Government
is intervening to protect the internationally acclaimed monument. No steps have
been taken to evacuate the sand from the Jagmohan of the temple despite several
recommendations of various expert committees. Hence, we demand immediate
measures in this regard failing which the Samiti will resort to agitation,”
Samiti State convenor Surendranath Mishra told mediapersons here.

He also demand that provision of free entry to the temple on
every Saturday should be made applicable as devotees, throughout India come to
offer prayers to the ‘Nabagrahas’ and to make the ‘Parikrama’ of the temple,
the Mishra said a grand ‘Naba-Graha’ Temple should be constructed in its
present place of worship near the Sun Temple.

“If the concerned authorities fail to ensure in taking any
prompt measures to protect the monument built by King Langula Narasingha Dev of
the Ganga dynasty nearly 800 years back, then hundreds of people will gherao
the ASI head office in Bhubaneswar for indefinite period,” warned Samiti Konark
unit secretary Ramakrushna Mohanty.

The Samiti also urged all the conscious and culture-loving
citizens are requested to join hands to save Konark, the wonder of the world
and our glorious identity.