Bhubaneswar, Sept 23: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted laser scanning of the iconic Konark Sun Temple in Odisha today.
A specialized three-member team, which included experts from the National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI), ASI Puri Circle Superintendent DB Garnayak, and Deputy Engineer Chittaranjan Das, performed the GPRS laser scanning throughout the sanctum sanctorum of this 13th-century shrine.
In addition to the temple's interior, the team carried out an underground survey of the surrounding area. Senior Scientist Dr. AK Pandey, along with scientists Nilesh Kumar Jaiswal and Satish Chandra Verma, focused on detecting any buried debris or structures beneath the temple.
Garnayak noted that following the completion of the GPRS laser scanning surveys, plans for beautification work around the temple will proceed based on the findings.
It is pertinent to mention that Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, ASI visited Konark and studied the status of the heritage on September 18.
ASI ADG Janhwij Sharma reviewed the developmental measures taken up for the conservation of the 13th-century Sun Temple following the evacuation of sand from it.
Janhwij after his study said while responding to media person on the Konark Sun Temple renovation project, “The 70-feet-high Jagmohan was filled with sand under the instruction of Lieutenant Governor of Bengal JA Bourdillon in 1903 to prevent it from crumbling. After Independence, the ASI erected working platforms around the temple to examine the stability of Jagamohan (Mukhasala) and check the condition of the sand.”
Earlier the ASI Odisha Chapter in collaboration with the Puri circle team had assessed the strength of the ancient architect drilling small holes in the temple walls. Based on the reports of the technical team, laser and endoscopy scanning will be undertaken to check the longevity of the World Heritage. Following the outcomes, renovation of the UNESCO Heritage will be initiated with the innovative mechanisms prescribed by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) soon, added Sharma
