Odisha CM seeks inquiry over replacement of stone carving at Konark Sun Temple

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma to conduct an inquiry into the replacement of artistic stone carvings at Konark Sun Temple with plain stones.

In a letter, the Chief Minister also requested Sharma to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take appropriate steps immediately for the preservation and conservation of this magnificent world heritage monument.

The Chief Minister took cognizance of the reports published in leading Odia newspaper ‘Sambad’ regarding replacement of artistic stone carvings at Konark Sun Temple with plain stones.

“The newspaper mentioned that 40 per cent of the original artistic stone carvings of the Konark Sun Temple have been replaced by the ASI with plain stones. The report is a matter of worry and concern for all of us,” said the Chief Minister.

“I have a feeling that the temple deserves more attention from the ASI that what it has got. The ASI needs to focus more on proper conservation of Konark Sun Temple and its art and aesthetic value,” the CM said.