Puri, June 6: The long-awaited process of removing sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the iconic Konark Sun Temple has entered its final phase, with authorities indicating that the operation will commence soon. On Friday, ASI Superintendent Dr. Milan Chaole reviewed the preparedness for the ambitious conservation project. The Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is also scheduled to visit the temple on Saturday to assess the arrangements.
Earlier, a high-level technical team had inspected the site and reviewed the progress of the preparatory work. As part of the project, extensive studies were conducted to assess the condition of the temple's stone walls before the construction of a tunnel providing access to the sanctum from the western side of the monument.
Using advanced technology, experts measured the thickness of the sanctum walls and carried out precision drilling operations. Core drilling was undertaken up to a depth of around nine metres, with multiple six-inch diameter holes drilled at intervals of 1.2 metres. The work was executed using diamond drilling machines and zero-vibration technology to ensure that no damage was caused to the centuries-old structure.
Samples of sand from the sanctum, along with stone powder generated during the drilling process, were collected and sent to IIT Madras for scientific examination. The findings are expected to aid the safe execution of the sand removal process.
The conservation initiative formally began on September 8, 2022, when ASI officials and engineers performed traditional rituals and a yajna near the sanctum entrance before commencing work. In the initial phase, foundations for lift structures were constructed on the northern and western sides of the temple, followed by the installation of iron beams and the development of tunnel and lift infrastructure.
A staircase supported by iron beams has also been built on the southern side to facilitate access to the temple's spire, while a lift extending from the base to the top of the monument has been installed at the north-western corner.
Officials said the sand inside the sanctum will be removed in a phased and carefully monitored manner, with the material being transported safely from the temple's upper section to the ground level as part of the conservation effort.
