ASI clarifies; says No Stones replaced at Konark Sun Temple

ONI Bureau: Following a report in Odisha media that triggered an outrage and forced CM Naveen Patnaik write a letter to Union Culture Minister Dr. Mahesha Sharma, the Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) has clarified that not a single stone carving has been replaced at the Sun Temple in Konark as alleged.

“The allegations of replacement of artistic stone works at the Sun Temple is untrue. Not a single piece of stone has been removed from any portion of the surviving structural remains of the Sun Temple, Konark. No replacement of stone has been done there for conservation or repair of any other purpose in more than a decade,” the ASI statement said.

The ASI further added that advanced techniques of scientific preservation has been successfully implemented to control the rate of erosion of surface stones of Konark Temple. “There was no need of renewing or replacing any stone from the monument in the past nor there would be any need in near future,” ASI assured.

ASI also described Konark Sun Temple as the “Pride of the Nation” and assured people that it would be preserved and protected with all available resources and techniques.