9-Mar-2021: Conservation of the Sun Temple at Konark
Several steps have been taken by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to mitigate the impact of saline action, water logging, erosion and vegetative intrusions such as cleaning of the surface by paper pulp method, consolidation and strengthening of stones wherever needed, plantation of trees in surrounding area to prevent mechanical erosion by wind action, removal of water by installing pumping sets, and periodic biocidal treatment for control of vegetative intrusion. Conservation work of monuments, including Sun Temple, Konark is a continuous process and the said monument, also a World Heritage Site, is in a good state of preservation due to regular care by ASI.
ASI has introduced plain stones only where original stones were missing or for filling of gaps to ensure structural stability and to prevent water ingress. All conservation work is carried out as per ASI’s conservation policy, 2014.
Annual Conservation Plan is regularly drawn by ASI every year, for review of the requirements at the monument for its appropriate preservation.
20-May-2020: Government of India launches scheme for 100 % solarisation of Konark sun temple & Konark town
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken up the Complete Solarisation of Konark sun temple and Konark town in Odisha. Speaking about the Scheme, Shri R K Singh, MoS(i/c) for Power and MNRE has said, "Government of India launched the Scheme with an objective to take forward the Prime Minister’s vision to develop the historical Sun temple town of Konark in Odisha as 'Surya Nagri', to convey a message of synergy between the modern use of solar energy and the ancient Sun Temple and the importance of promoting solar energy".
The Scheme envisages setting up of 10 MW grid connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, off-grid solar power plants with battery storage etc. with a 100% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) support of around Rs. 25 Crores from Government of India through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). Implementation of this Project will be done by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA).
The Scheme will meet all the energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.
9-Mar-2021: Conservation of the Sun Temple at Konark
Several steps have been taken by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to mitigate the impact of saline action, water logging, erosion and vegetative intrusions such as cleaning of the surface by paper pulp method, consolidation and strengthening of stones wherever needed, plantation of trees in surrounding area to prevent mechanical erosion by wind action, removal of water by installing pumping sets, and periodic biocidal treatment for control of vegetative intrusion. Conservation work of monuments, including Sun Temple, Konark is a continuous process and the said monument, also a World Heritage Site, is in a good state of preservation due to regular care by ASI.
ASI has introduced plain stones only where original stones were missing or for filling of gaps to ensure structural stability and to prevent water ingress. All conservation work is carried out as per ASI’s conservation policy, 2014.
Annual Conservation Plan is regularly drawn by ASI every year, for review of the requirements at the monument for its appropriate preservation.
1-Apr-2018: World-Class Interpretation Centre and Tourist Amenities at Konark Sun Temple
Government has inaugurated the world-class Interpretation Centre and tourist facilities at Konark Sun Temple at Konark which coincides with Utkal Divas celebrations in Odisha.
The Indian Oil Foundation (IOF), a non-profit trust fully funded by Indian Oil Corporation, under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, funded the development of visitor-friendly infrastructure and associated facilities, including a state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre that showcases the unique architectural features of Konark Sun Temple.
The Konark Sun Temple is Odisha’s pride and it is important that the world is made aware of this architectural marvel, for which the Interpretation Centre is a step in that direction. Raghunath Mahapatra recreated the sculptural wealth of Konark sun Temple at the Interpretation Centre for the benefit of both national & International visitors. The modern amenities that have been developed at the temple complex would attract more tourists in future.
UNESCO is continuously working for the preservation of heritage monuments, like the Sun Temple at Konark, across the world. The Interpretation Centre will not only educate the tourists about the rich history of the temple but will also throw light on the natural and cultural heritage of Odisha.