Panel to study impact of sand removal from Konark Temple

Before taking any decision on removal of sand filling from interior of Jagamohan (front audience hall) of the Sun Temple at Konark, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set up a steering committee to study its possible impact on the structure.
    
This was stated by ASI's additional director general (ADG) Pravin Srivastav after a two-day workshop on conservation of the 13th century monument yesterday.
    
"We are expecting a plan of action report from the steering committee within next six to eight months. Based on the report, ASI will decide its future course of action," Srivastav said adding four sub-committees would assist the panel and verify different aspects of the Konark temple.
    
As many as 65 experts comprising archaeologists, architects, engineering professors, researchers, historians, ASI experts and local artisans participated at the two-day workshop held at Konark.
    
The 13th century monument which was a victim to the nature's furry had already lost its main temple and 'nata mandap' (dancing hall) leaving behind only 'Jagamohan' as the reminder of the then Kalingan architecture skills.
    
Sand was filled inside Jagamohan of the temple in 1903 after examination at the instruction of the then Lt governor Sir John Woodburn, records said.