Konark Suraksha Samiti threatens gherao ASI head office
The Konark Suraksha Samiti (KSS), a frontline citizens’ forum spearheading a movement to save the Sun Temple at Konark, on Sunday reiterated its demand for conservation of the world heritage as declared by the UNESCO with latest scientific technological methods without any further delay.
“The temple is fast losing its glory due to its deterioration and neglect by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in proper conservation. No steps have been taken to evacuate the sand from the Jagmohan of the temple despite the recommendation of an expert committee. Hence, we demand immediate measures in this regard, failing which the Samiti will resort to agitation,” Samiti State convenor Surendranath Mishra told mediapersons here.
He also demanded provision of visitors’ free entry to the temple every Saturday. Devotees from across India come to Konark to offer prayers to the Nabagrahas in the Sun Temple premises, he pointed out. Mishra said a grand ‘Naba-Graha’ temple should be constructed in its present place of worship near the Sun Temple.
“If the concerned authorities fail to take prompt measures for conservation of the temple, known as the Black Pagoda, hundreds of people will gherao the ASI head office in Bhubaneswar for an indefinite period,” warned Samiti Konark unit secretary Ramakrushna Mohanty.