Konark, Aug 21: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has intensified its efforts to safeguard the world-famous Konark Sun Temple, with a 10-member expert team visiting the heritage site to review the ongoing process of removing sand from inside the temple structure.

The inspection team, led by the ASI Additional Director General (ADG), examined the temple premises along with officials of the Puri Circle to assess conservation and structural safety measures.

Sand has remained inside the inner section of the temple for decades, and its removal is considered a highly sensitive conservation operation.

The ASI is closely monitoring whether extracting the accumulated sand could have any impact on the original structural stability of the monument.

Experts are therefore evaluating the safest and most scientific methods to remove the sand while protecting the historic structure.

During the inspection, the officials reviewed the condition of the monument and the progress of the sand-removal work.

The primary objective is to ensure that any intervention does not compromise the temple's historic architecture. The expert team's assessment is expected to help determine the appropriate techniques and safety measures required for the next phase of the work.

Following the review, conservation efforts at the heritage site are likely to be strengthened and expanded based on expert recommendations.

The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Odisha's most important cultural landmarks. Any structural intervention therefore requires careful planning and scientific oversight.

The latest ASI inspection is expected to pave the way for more systematic conservation measures aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation and structural safety of the monument.

With heritage experts closely monitoring the sand-removal process, the focus remains clear: remove the accumulated sand without compromising the centuries-old architectural legacy of Konark.