ASI Takes Historic Step to Remove Sand from Konark Sun Temple's Sealed Chamber
In a significant development for heritage conservation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced operations to extract sand from the long-sealed Jagamohan of the iconic Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 13th century, has had its Jagamohan chamber filled with sand for over a century as a preservation measure.
Meticulous Passage Creation for Manual Sand Extraction
According to D B Garnayak, superintending archaeologist of ASI's Puri circle, conservation teams have begun digging a carefully measured passage between the first and second 'pidha' on the western wall of the Jagamohan. This passage, measuring 6 feet by 5 feet, will serve as the conduit through which sand will be manually removed from the structure that has remained inaccessible for 123 years.
The process, which began this week, follows comprehensive approvals from ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat and crucial safety assessments conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. IIT-Madras engineers have confirmed that the sand removal operation will not compromise the structural integrity of this ancient monument.
Precision Engineering and Historical Context
This ambitious conservation project builds upon preparatory work conducted in December of last year, when ASI technicians performed two core drillings on the western wall of the Jagamohan. Using diamond drilling methods under precisely controlled RPM conditions, engineers ensured zero vibrations or damage to the historic structure. The drilling occurred at the same location where British authorities originally introduced sand into the chamber between 1901 and 1903 to prevent the aging structure from potential collapse.
Analysis of sand and stone samples collected during these preliminary drillings by IIT-Madras revealed favorable conditions, with no immediate threats identified to any of the four walls of this centrally protected monument.
Structural Measurements and Conservation Infrastructure
The Jagamohan stands at an impressive height of 38 meters from its base to the existing top. Preliminary examinations during the core drilling operations revealed that the sand inside has settled approximately 13.5 meters from the structure's summit. This finding aligns with earlier assessments conducted in 2019 by the Central Building Research Institute in Roorkee, which documented sand settlement of about 12 feet.
ASI has already established a working platform to facilitate the removal process, with plans to transport extracted sand using trolleys. Garnayak emphasized that the passage creation will proceed gradually and cautiously, reflecting the delicate nature of this conservation endeavor.
This landmark project represents a careful balance between preserving historical preservation methods implemented during the British era and applying contemporary engineering expertise to better understand and conserve one of India's most significant architectural treasures.
