Bhubaneswar: Assembly Speaker P K Amat Saturday directed the state government to pay attention to the protection and conservation of the Sun Temple at Konark in the face of threats to the structure from tremors.
Amat gave the ruling after assembly members cutting across party lines expressed concern over the manner in which the conservation of the Black Pagoda is being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India.
“The state government should take this matter seriously and take adequate measures. The House should be informed on the actions taken for conservation and preservation of Konark temple,” the Speaker said in his ruling.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra (Cong) during zero hour. He alleged the Centre has failed to properly preserve and conserve the Sun temple.
Referring to the media reports on replacement of old and damaged stone carvings with plain stone slabs by the ASI, Mishra sought a clarification in this regard from the Centre. He blamed the state government for not giving adequate importance to the centuries old monument. He said the ASI team also comprises officials from the state government.
“A technical institute has warned that the Konark temple will crumble in a mild tremor. Is not it a matter of concern for Odisha?” Mishra asked.
BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo said the state government should place the documents related to conservation of Konark Temple.
The people of Odisha have the right to know the condition of the monument, he said.