ASI conducts underground survey at Konark Sun Temple to locate hidden structures

Bhubaneswar: A day after completing the technical survey of Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar in Puri, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a ground penetrating survey (GPS) at the Sun Temple in Konark on Monday.

The survey, which will take place over two days, aims to locate any hidden structures or artifacts beneath the ground, according to ASI Puri Circle Superintendent DB Garnayak.

"We are utilising the machinery and scientific equipment brought to Odisha for the Ratna Bhandar survey. Following that, the Hyderabad-based National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) has agreed to conduct the GPS at the Konark Temple," an official said.

The survey of the temple's surroundings is part of preparatory work for upcoming beautification efforts. A three-member team from NGRI conducted the GPS, assessing the potential existence of structures, artifacts, or debris up to 10 metres below ground.

Garnayak said the ASI will submit the survey report on the 13th-century temple to the government soon, enabling them to proceed with beautification based on the findings.

The team included senior scientist Dr AK Pandey and scientists Nilesh Kumar Jaiswal and Satish Chandra Verma.