Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4 (UDN): The prolonged closure of an exit gate at the iconic Konark Sun Temple has sparked concern among local residents and servitors of the nearby Navagraha Temple, with visitors reportedly facing difficulties in reaching the shrine.
The exit gate, which is reportedly being kept closed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has remained shut for nearly a month, according to local residents and temple servitors.
Tourists Face Difficulty Reaching Navagraha Temple
The closure has reportedly disrupted the usual movement of tourists who visit the Navagraha Temple, located near the Sun Temple complex.
Local residents and servitors have raised concerns that the restricted access is affecting both pilgrims and tourists who traditionally visit the shrine after touring the heritage monument.
They claimed that repeated appeals had been made to the district administration and ASI authorities seeking the reopening of the gate or an alternative arrangement. However, they alleged that the issue remained unresolved.
BJP Leaders Visit Konark
Amid growing concern, Odisha BJP president and MP Manmohan Samal and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited Konark to assess the situation on the ground.
The two leaders offered prayers at the Navagraha Temple before inspecting the area around the closed exit gate. They also interacted with local residents and temple servitors to understand the difficulties caused by the restricted access.
Samal Assures Action
Following the inspection, Manmohan Samal assured the local community that the matter would be taken up with the ASI.
He said he would discuss the issue with the concerned authorities and make efforts to find an early solution.
The development has brought renewed attention to the need for better coordination between heritage conservation measures and the accessibility requirements of tourists and devotees visiting the historic Konark complex.
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