Konark: Exposing poor preservation work at the Sun temple here, a stone fell off from an altar (mandap) on the shrine premises Tuesday.
The incident created resentment among the locals and visitors even though no one was injured in the mishap.
Locals and social activists blamed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the incident.
Sources said the stone rolled down from an altar located near the Horse Gate of the shrine at the noon.
“The ASI collects huge sums in the form of entry tickets from tourists at the 13th century shrine. However, it has failed to preserve the temple properly. The ASI higher-ups should take up the issue seriously and act accordingly,” said social activist Bhagirathi Swain.
Visitors too blamed the ASI for its callous attitude to the Sun temple. “The ASI has also overlooked the aspect of visitors’ safety at the Sun temple. Who would take responsibility if a few tourists were injured in the incident? The central agency should take proper care to the shrine,” said Santosh Kumar Majhi, a visitor from Koraput.
ASI in-charge for Sun temple Nirmal Mohapatra said they would soon repair the altar.
PNN
