With Orissa Government and Archeological Survey of India under the Union Ministry of Culture, turning deaf ears, the world famous heritage site, rain water playing havoc in the premises of India’s Black Pagoda, the famous Sun Temple in Konarka city, close to holy city of Jagannath Puri.
The site was knee deep in water on Monday following torrential rains triggered by low pressure, threatening the structure and inconveniencing tourists.
Visitors to the Sun Temple had to wade through two to three feet deep water which had accumulated around the historic site following heavy downpour.
While a large number of tourists returned without having a proper look at the world famous monument since yesterday, some of the visitors waded through the water to view the temple.
Locals pointed out that water-logging at the Sun Temple has been a regular feature for the last couple of years. Whenever it rains heavily for long, the problem crops up as there is no proper outlet, locals said.
A local activist said water-logging could damage the temple. ASI has built a soak pit and when excess water accumulates, it is pumped out.
He said prolonged water-logging, which is an acute problem on the northern side of the 13th century monument, is likely to have an adverse impact on the structure.
"Though plans are afoot to put in place a proper drainage system around the Sun Temple but no concrete measure has been taken", he said.
The historical monument has been in news recently with reports of dislocation of some stones from the structure, sparking apprehension about its preservation.
Following this, Orissa government had last month asked a joint committee comprising representatives of ASI, district administration of Puri and state culture department to verify the matter and submit a report.
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