Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
BHUBANESWAR, INDIA, July 21, 2009: Torrential rains have lashed Orissa since Sunday, and the Sun Temple at Konark, a world heritage site, is now nearly inaccessible due to flooding. Officials have been trying to pump out the water, but to little avail. On Monday, the bravest devotees waded through water two to three feet deep to reach the 13th century temple, known as the Black Pagoda; other pilgrims could only look from afar.
Rabindra Kumar Bahinipati, a social activist, blames the Archaeological
Survey of India for failing to install a proper drainage system. Although the temple suffers damage from the rains every year, he said, the authorities are doing nothing about it.
Although the ASI refused to comment, other sources said ASI is collaborating with state government agencies and Indian Oil Foundation to finalize a master plan, which will include installation of a proper drainage mechanism for the monument.