Expert committee for preservation of Konark temple demanded

Voicing concern over safety of the Sun Temple at Konark and alleged smuggling of antique pieces from there, a body working for its protection today demanded formation of an expert committee to supervise preservation of the 13th century wonder.
    
Konark Surakshya Samiti, which has been spearheading a movement for safety of the structure, also announced the plan for an indefinite mass dharna at the temple until its demands, including free entry into it on Saturdays are met.
    
Alleging the edifice was crumbling and its stones were falling off due to negligence by ASI, Samiti president Sarat Jay Singh said no concrete step was taken for conservation and work done had been superficial, causing more harm than good.
    
While recommendations of various expert committees were ignored, the basic need for a proper drainage system had not been made causing submergence of major parts of the structure during rains, Singh and Samiti convenor Surendranath Mishra told newsmen here.
    
"Waterlogging is weakening the foundations and the superstructure of the temple," they said adding the cleansing on the outside is being done by unskilled workmen, who use rough brushes causing obliteration of many fine miniature sculptures.
     
Though several memoranda were submitted to Archaeological Survey of India, union ministers and the Orissa government seeking formation of an expert committee with representation of locals, the demands went unheeded, Singh said.