ASI asked to furnish details on Sun Temple preservation

The Orissa high court today directed the assistant solicitor general to furnish details of the steps taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to preserve and protect the famous Sun Temple at Konark.

The high court direction came when a division bench comprising Chief Justice V Gopalgowda and Justice Indrajit Mahanty adjudicated over a PIL and subsequent miscellaneous petitions filed in this regard.

The PIL was filed earlier this week drawing the court's attention towards water-logging in the temple premises and the "indifferent attitude" of the concerned authorities in maintaining, preserving and protecting the 800-year-old ruined edifice of the archaeological wonder.

The petitioner subsequently informed the court that at least 11 reports prepared by different authorities at different times on protection and preservation of the world famous Sun Temple were gathering dust.