Post News Network
Konark, Sept 13: After wild monkeys ran amok a few months ago, the world famous Sun temple here is now witnessing stray dog menace for the last couple of days.
Tourists as well as locals have blamed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the conservator of the magnificent structure, for the sorry state of affairs at the temple premises.
Thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad visit the 13th century structure every day to view its sculptures and architectures. ASI authorities collect `30 each from the citizens of the country and `750 from every foreign tourist as entry fee.
However, the central agency has deployed only six untrained guards for the security of Sun temple. Taking advantage of the poor security arrangements, stray dogs have been seen roaming freely on the temple premises for the last few days.
They have become a huge threat to the tourists, forcing them to cut short their visit.
“We could not imagine that stray dogs have a free entry to the Sun temple. This is a huge injustice to the grand structure. The ASI and state government should look into the issue seriously,” said Soumendra Sinha, a tourist from Kolkata.
Tapaswini Mahari, a tourist from Berhampur, also expressed her displeasure over poor security at the world heritage site. “Who will take responsibility if there is a case of dog bite on the Sun temple premises? The ASI must fix security loopholes at the structure,” she said.
ASI regional officer Nirmal Mahapatra said the central agency has arranged for adequate security measures at the Sun temple. “The security guards deployed at the 13th century should chase away stray dogs. Anyway, we will soon discuss the issue with them,” Mahapatra said.