Konark, Dec 8: The long-awaited process of removing sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the Konark Sun Temple has begun, with a high-level team of experts inspecting the site on Monday forenoon. ASI Regional Director Dr. Dilip Kumar Khamari, along with a specialist team from IIT Chennai, reviewed the ongoing sand extraction work and assessed the temple’s conservation requirements.
Circle Superintendent Dr. D.B. Garnayak, Deputy Superintendent Chittaranjan Dash, and other technical experts were also present during the inspection.
According to officials, a zero-vibrant diamond driller is being used to create a 16-cm-wide vertical shaft on the western side of the temple. Nearly seven meters of drilling has been completed so far.
The ASI and the BDR construction division had earlier performed rituals and a homa yajna on September 8, 2022, near the sanctum entrance to formally commence the sand-removal initiative.
Once the extraction is complete, the ASI plans to reopen the Jagamohan entrance to tourists. A specially designed lift system will transport the sand from the sanctum down to the temple’s base in a phased and secure manner. Officials added that special precautions are being taken to ensure that the temple’s intricate sculptures and architectural heritage remain unharmed during the procedure.
