(a) whether the Government has taken steps through the Archaeological Survey of India for the conservation and protection of the Sun Temple at Konark from the saline action, water logging, mechanical erosion and vegetative intrusions, etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) the funds allocated by the Government in this regard so far; and
(d) the budgetary provision made for the conservation of heritage in Odisha for 2017-18?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *517 FOR 10.04.2017
(a) & (b) Yes Madam. The essential conservation measures for Sun Temple Konark, are regularly taken and repeated as per requirements. To check the saline action as well as vegetative intrusions, chemical cleaning, fungicidal treatment and preservation work is attended regularly as per the local site requirements. To prevent water logging, effective drainage system has been provided. Mass plantation around the Konark has been provided to guard against the mechanical erosion and also contribute to minimize saline action. The essential conservation work of the Temple is attended regularly and it is in a good state of preservation.
(c) The details of expenditure incurred for conservation work of Sun Temple, Konark during the last three years are as under:-
Amount Rs. in Crores
Sl. No. Year Expenditure incurred
1. 2014-15 1.61
2. 2015-16 3.55
3. 2016-17 1.12
(d) For conservation work of protected monuments in Odisha Rs. 8.70 Crores have been allocated for 2017-18.