Konark/Bhubaneswar, November 7: Uncertainty continues to surround the removal of sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the Sun Temple at Konark, with the October deadline passing without the work getting underway. Although the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had earlier announced that the process would begin in October, the project is yet to move forward, despite reportedly reaching its final stage.

A high-level technical team had earlier visited the monument to review the progress of the project and assess the feasibility of removing the sand.

On June 6, ASI Director General Yaduvir Singh Rawat, accompanied by technical experts, members of the Sun Temple Core Committee and professors from IIT Delhi and IIT Madras, inspected the temple and reviewed the proposed conservation work.

During the visit, the team examined two core-drilling points on the first level of the western side of the monument, nearly 80 feet above the ground. It also inspected various sections of the temple to assess the structural condition and challenges involved in the proposed operation.

Officials have maintained that removing sand from the sanctum will be a technically challenging exercise and that the final decision will rest with the expert team.

Two parallel drilling operations, each measuring 25 feet, have already been completed at the proposed passage leading to the sanctum. The project has been carried out in several phases and is reportedly nearing completion, although the actual sand removal is yet to begin.

The project was formally launched on September 8, 2022, when the ASI and the construction agency Building Development and Research (BDR) organised religious rituals and a homa yajna near the entrance to the sanctum.

As part of the initial work, foundations for lifts were constructed at the northern and western corners of the temple, followed by the installation of iron beams. Preparatory work for the construction of tunnels and lifts was subsequently undertaken.

An iron-beam-supported staircase has also been built on the southern side to facilitate access to the upper portion of the monument. A lift has been installed at the northwestern corner, connecting the base of the temple to its upper section.

The removal of sand from the sanctum is considered crucial to the conservation project. Once the process is completed, the Jagamohan entrance is expected to be opened to tourists, allowing visitors access to another important section of the historic monument.