Panel reports Sun Temple is safe structurally

Bhubaneswar, Jan 21: A two-member team constituted by the Orissa government to inquire into reports about any 'threat' to the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark has informed the government that the edifice was safe.

The team, which submitted its report to the government last evening after making a visit to the monument and holding discussion with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, said there was "no threat to the existing structure".

The team comprised the director of culture department Goutam Das and the Superintendent of Archaeology Dr. B.K.Rath.

Panchayati Raj and Culture Minister Damodar Rout said the report had dispelled misgivings about the condition of the famous tourist attraction.

The ASI had also submitted a separate report informing about the steps being initiated to conserve and strengthen the edifice.

A workshop conducted by the ASI on the sun temple in 1997 had given several recommendations which were being pursued, Rout informed.

An expert committee constituted by the Director General of ASI had visited the temple on January 16 last, he said.

Bureau Report