Report by OD bureau; New Delhi: Centre assigned CBRI, Roorkee for conducting various studies to conserve Sun Temple at Konark. This was said by the Minister for Culture and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Kumari Selja has said that on the recommendations of Sub- Committee the work for conducting various studies and investigations related to Sun Temple, Konark has been assigned to Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee. Scaffolding materials have been procured for replacement of old one. Unpaved drains and soak pits have been provided to prevent water logging. For peripheral development, control of saline action by growth of more trees, etc., surrounding land at Konark has been handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India by the State Government of Odisha.

Kumari Selja said, Conservation work of the monuments is a continuous process. For Sun Temple, Konark also the conservation work is attended regularly depending upon the need of repairs, availability of resources and as per archaeological norms and principles. Essential conservation measures are taken as and when necessity arises, hence the time-frame based approach is not suitable for ancient structures due to necessity for regular care and continuity of conservation action.