Konark,31st July 2025: The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun Temple, is globally renowned for its exquisite architecture, craftsmanship, and sculpture. Tourists from across the globe visit to admire its beauty.
However, a recent initiative by the Central Tourism and Culture Department, in collaboration with a survey and research organization, has raised concerns. A large tensile fabric shade structure being constructed for tourist convenience is being criticized for spoiling the visual appeal of this heritage monument.
This tensile shed—measuring 30 meters in length, 12 meters in width, and 5.5 meters in height—is being built just 30 meters in front of the temple’s main entrance. It involves heavy cement concrete pillars and thick iron pipes, which violate cultural and architectural guidelines. Because the structure is over 18 feet high, the temple becomes obscured from view—from the entrance gate to the ticket counter.
As a result, the temple’s full aesthetic appeal is diminished, sparking disapproval not only among locals but also among national and international tourists. Due to the height of the fabric shed, the distant view of the temple is entirely blocked.
Public Demand for Removal of the Tensile Structure
The placement of this tensile shed is drawing strong criticism for marring the complete artistic heritage and World Heritage charm of the Konark Sun Temple. Social activist Jnan Ranjan Biswal has called for its immediate removal through social media platforms. He warned that if this issue remains unresolved, tourists visiting Konark will return disappointed after seeing the intrusive structure.
He also cautioned that this could send a negative message to the entire world. While having a shed for shelter during rain or heat is acceptable, there is ample space elsewhere in the temple premises to construct it. Hence, the demand is that this structure should be shifted from directly in front of the temple’s entrance to either side.
Appeals to Authorities
Local intellectuals from Konark, along with journalist Jnan Ranjan Biswal and Ganesh, have submitted appeals to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, as well as MP Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Tarai, requesting the removal of this obstructive shed and restoration of the temple’s unobstructed view.
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