(a) whether the Government has taken any steps through Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 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; and
(c) the time by which it is likely to be done?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a)to(c) Conservation work of protected monuments including Sun Temple at Konark is a continuous process and accordingly the conservation work at this temple site is attended regu- larly. To prevent water logging, effective drainage system has been provided in the temple complex. Saline action and vegetative intrusion is prevented by attending chemical preservation work as and when required. The mechanical erosion is prevented by controlling the visitors movements. In addition mass plantation has been done around the Konark Temple including development of garden and maintenance of the same. Due to all those measures the Konark Temple is in a good state of preservation.