Several steps have   been taken by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to mitigate the impact of   saline action, water logging, erosion and vegetative intrusions such as cleaning of the surface by paper pulp method, consolidation and strengthening of   stones wherever needed, plantation of trees in surrounding area to prevent   mechanical erosion by wind action, removal of water by installing pumping sets,   and periodic biocidal treatment for control of vegetative intrusion.   Conservation work of monuments, including Sun Temple, Konark is a continuous   process and the said monument, also a World Heritage Site, is in a good state   of preservation due to regular care by ASI.

ASI has introduced plain stones only   where original stones were missing or for filling of gaps to ensure   structural stability and to prevent water ingress. All conservation work is   carried out as per ASI’s conservation policy, 2014.

Annual Conservation   Plan is regularly drawn by ASI every year, for review of the requirements at   the monument for its appropriate preservation.

This information was given by the Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Rajya  Sabha today.

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