World Heritage site Konark Sun Temple under knee deep water

World famous Sun Temple at Konark, a World Heritage site in Orissa, was knee deep in water following torrential rains, threatening the structure and disappointing tourists.

Visitors to the 13th century monument, also known as Black Pagoda, had to wade through about two feet deep water which had accumulated around the site following the downpour for three days.

Since yesterday, many tourists returned without having a close look at the temple, about 65km from Bhubaneswar.

"Though water-logging due to poor drainage system has been taking place around the temple for the last couple of years, the authorities appear to be apathetic," said Rabindra Bahinipati, a social activist from Konark area, campaigning for proper conservation of the heritage site.

Locals pointed out that water-logging at the Sun Temple has been a regular feature for the last 10-12 years. "Whenever it rains heavily, the problem crops up as there is no proper outlet," said a resident of a nearby village.

Concerned over safety of the temple, Bahinipati said water-logging could also damage the temple. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has built a soak pit and when excess water accumulates, it is pumped out.

ASI officials, however, sought to downplay the whole issue. ASI auperintendent AK Patel initially denied there was water-logging around the temple but later claimed that steps were taken to pump out the water which had accumulated near the structure.

ASI looks after the conservation and protection of the temple. Bahinipati said prolonged water-logging, which is acute in the northern side of the monument, is likely to have an adverse impact on the structure. "Though plans are afoot to put in place a drainage system around the temple no concrete measure has been taken", he said.

Tour operators were also worried due to the problem.

Shrikant Mishra of Orissa Tour Operators Association (OTPA) said people from far off places in the country and abroad visit the site after spending a lot of money and return with a bitter experience.

"If a lasting solution is not found, it could have an adverse impact on the flow of tourists," he said.

"It was extremely difficult to go close to temple edifice due to water-logging. Though I managed to reach the structure, my wife failed to do so," said Prasanjit, a 35-year-old visitor from here, after returning from Konark.

For his wife, the visit turned out to be highly disheartening. "The authorities should have taken steps to prevent water accumulation near the temple," she said.

Seeking concrete steps to tackle the problem, conservationists said both ASI and the state government have to gear up not only to put in place a proper drainage system in and around the Sun Temple but also to save the heritage site from perishing.

The monument was in news about a year ago with reports of dislocation of some stones from the structure, sparking apprehension about its preservation.

The ASI, however, has been maintaining that the monument was in a good shape.