Cuttack: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Monday admitted before the Orissa High Court that it has identified six spots at the Konark Sun Temple which need immediate repair.
In an affidavit, ASI Director General Usha Sharma informed HC that the national conservator requires a minimum of two months each to repair two damaged spots on the 13th century shrine.
As per the affidavit, the ASI would require four months each to repair the remaining four damaged spots on the World Heritage Site.
The affidavit also informed the court that ASI convened a meeting to deliberate on the status of Sun Temple structure February 12.
According to the affidavit, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) would conduct a laser testing on the Sun Temple to ascertain the status of the shrine’s interiors. “The CBRI has been told to submit the laser testing report within six months,” said the affidavit.
Advocate Dillip Kumar Mahapatra had filed a case in the HC claiming that the Sun Temple was in a state of dilapidation. The petitioner had urged the court to take necessary steps to repair the shrine.
Taking up the case, the HC had directed the ASI to submit a report on the temple. In its report, the national conservator had claimed that there were no threats to the Sun Temple structure.