Union Culture and Tourism minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Friday said he will enquire with the Archeological Survey of India about allegations of replacement of sculptured stones from the walls of the Konark temple with plain stones in course of repair work in the 13th century temple.
Patel, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, said he would also discuss with the ASI about reports of defective drainage system in the famous Sun temple at Konark also called the "Black Pagoda".
Dwelling on the complaints regarding Konark temple not making to the list of Iconic sites by the Ministry of Tourism, the minister agreed it should be included in the list.
"The people of Odisha will soon receive the good news about Konark being included in the list of iconic sites. We will organise a special event to announce the inclusion very soon," the minister told reporters at the airport here.
"It is alleged that sculpted stones at the temple have been replaced by plain stones. If a replica can be made, we should not go for plain stone," the minister said.
"Besides, there are allegations of defective drainage system in Konark. Let us examine the truth behind the allegations," the union minister added.
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ASI is tasked with the conservation of the well known temple, declared as world heritage site by the UNESCO.
Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had on November 11, 2018 sent a letter to the then union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, urging probe into the allegations regarding replacement of stone carvings with plain stones at Konark Sun temple.
"It has been mentioned in the Odia dailys news item that the original stone carvings in Konark Sun temple have been removed and in their place, plain stones have been fixed," Patnaik had written in the letter.
According to allegation, about 40 of the artistic stone carvings of the existing Konark Sun temple have been replaced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with plain stones.
Several media reports have also highlighted about the defective drainage system in the temple resulting in heavy water logging in its premises during rainy season.
"The report is a matter of worry and concern for all of us. I have a feeling that the temple deserves more attention from the ASI than what it has got. The ASI needs to focus more on proper conservation of Konark Sun temple and its art and aesthetic value," the Odisha CM had written.
In addition, a PIL is also under the consideration of the Orissa High Court on the issue.
The ASI has assured the court that the Black Pagoda was safe and there is no danger to the edifice.
The Sun temple at Konark was built in 13th century AD by the king Langula Narasingha Deva with assistance of 1200 sculptors.
Now only Jagamohana (front temple) remains, which is also gradually undergoing decay. It represents the climax of Odishan temple architecture.
Meanwhile, speaking about boosting tourism in the state, Patel said the Centre will soon formulate a new tourism policy regarding it.
He said efforts are on to explore virgin tourism destinations in Odisha.
He said that he will also review tourism development projects in Puri on Saturday.
During his stay in Puri, Patel will visit Shree Jagannath Temple and Swargadwar, the divine crematorium located near sea beach in the holy town. He is also scheduled to attend a Swachha Bharat Abhiyan programme, said an official about the Saturday itinerary of the minister.