Konark: The precincts of the world famous Sun temple got inundated due to heavy rainfall over the past two days.
Some visitors were seen wading through knee-deep water that accumulated on the temple premises while many others returned, unable to visit the 13th century shrine Friday because of water logging.
Intellectuals as well as social activists blamed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the conservator of the shrine, for frequent water logging inside the Sun temple.
Locals and some visitors claimed that the temple premises has gone under at least 2 feet water as the coastal town witnessed heavy rains, powered by a low pressure in the past two days.
“We came to Konark to have a look at the Sun temple. But, extensive water logging in the temple compound forced us to cancel our plan. ASI authorities should take up the issue seriously and act accordingly to drain out water,” said Maheswar Mishra of Sambalpur.
Echoing the sentiments, Rabindra Nath Mishra, a visitor from Bhubaneswar, said, “We were shocked to see knee-deep water inside the temple. We do not think the authorities are in a position to drain out 2-feet deep water from the temple precincts by the evening and ensure the hosting of the light and sound show that happens daily.”
Konark Surakhya Samiti, an outfit that fights for proper preservation of the Sun temple, claimed that frequent water logging may affect the 13th century shrine’s longevity.
“ASI authorities get a considerable revenue from ticket sales to visitors. But, they are yet to develop a plan to drain out rainwater from the shrine. That may affect the longevity of the shrine,” said Badal Das, an office-bearer of the outfit.
Asked about this ASI in-charge at Sun temple Nirmal Mahapatra said that they have arranged for a few pump sets to release rainwater from Sun temple.
“Besides doing that, we have urged our higher-ups in the administration to see that a permanent solution is put in place to prevent water logging at the shrine,” Mahapatra added.
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