ASI Joint DG Inspects Suka-Sari Temple In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Joint Director General (Archaeology) Sanjay Manjul on Wednesday visited the Suka-Sari temple in Bhubaneswar to inspect the site after some workers engaged in Ekamra Kshetra beautification work stumbled upon an ancient stone structure last month.

The ASI Joint DG was here to check if any damage was caused to the heritage site during the recent excavation. Manjul said digging at the site was done without informing the Archaeological Survey of India.

It may be mentioned here that the structure was unearthed during a demolition work being undertaken by Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) as part of Ekamra Kshetra beautification work.

The new structure lies on the north-west corner of the ornate Sari temple. Two other structures, also believed to be the remains of small shrines, have been partially exposed, a report in The New Indian Express had stated.

ASI is the custodian of the Suka-Sari temples (10th-11th Somavamshi period), and these shrines are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act). However, no permission was not taken to carry out the demolition drive for the beautification work.

Yesterday, INTACH has submitted a report to the Chief Minister submitted a report to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recommending the scientific study of the entire Ekamra Kshetra area.

Also Read: Intach-raises-violation-of-amsar-act-in-ekamra-kshetra-project-in-bhubaneswar/