ASI confirms safety as manual digging continues toward sanctum sand removal
Odisha heritage news
The Archaeological Department is actively advancing the project at the Konark Sun Temple as excavation work. On the western side for tunnel construction has now been completed. Subsequently, officials will remove the sand to assess the condition of the sanctum sanctorum.
Since Akshaya Tritiya, the department has been carrying out excavation work to build a tunnel leading to the sanctum. In the initial phase, 4 skilled craftsmen are carefully executing the work manually using hand tools, without relying on any machinery.
By the end of the 4th day, they have successfully completed excavation measuring 2 feet in width and 4 feet in length. Meanwhile, a special monitoring team inspectioning the progress to submit its report. According to historical accounts, during British rule, authorities filled the western side tunnel area with sand at a height of around 80 feet from the base and later sealed it with a stone wall.
In addition, experts have conducted two core drillings to verify structural stability. IIT Madras has also examined the sand condition inside the sanctum. As a result, after confirming that sand removal will not endanger the temple, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially begun tunnel construction work. Furthermore, intellectuals and geologists of Konark have welcomed this decision, emphasizing its importance for the temple’s preservation.
Moving forward, the project has made steady progress. On the fourth day itself, workers completed excavation of 2 feet width and 4 feet length. Thereafter, the team plans to extend the tunnel up to 9 meters through the temple wall in phases. Finally, once the tunnel construction is completed, authorities will proceed with the removal of sand from the sanctum sanctorum.
Odisha heritage news
