KENDRAPARA: A Victorian-era sundial, located in the heart of the town, is lying neglected amidst unwanted vegetation. The 131-year-old ancient structure is one among the six sundials in Odisha, the five others being in Sun temple at Konark, Ravenshaw University campus in Cuttack, Mukteswar temple in Bhubaneswar and palaces of Khandapada and Baramba.
Built by the Britishers in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria, the historical structure is an important part of the colonial history. History researcher Tapan Kumar Pati said the shadow of the sundial moves at one millimetre per minute indicating the local time. It has now been reduced to an object of neglect. While garbage is dumped closed to the sundial, the area is also a spot for open defecation for people residing nearby. Vertical cracks have developed in the sundial and rainwater seeps through it. Stone blocks of the sundial have developed fissures as a result of expansion due to the seepage.
Researcher Dr Basudev Das of Kendrapara said the sundial is an ancient monument if one considers the definition of monument under Section 2 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. “It defines any structure, monument, sculpture, inscription, monolith which is of historical, archaeological interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years. As the sundial has been in existence for more than 100 years, it is an ancient monument and needs proper conservation,” he said.
District Tourist Officer Bijay Mohanty said the district administration will soon clean the area and construct a boundary wall round the clock to protect it.