The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has barred tourists from entering the 'Nata Mandap' of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha's Puri district. As per the directive issued by the ASI on November 8, tourists will no longer be allowed to climb the 'Nata Mandap' of the 13th-century temple or touch the sculpted stone artworks.

Security personnel have been deployed to enforce the order. Justifying the move, ASI Superintendent Archaeologist D B Gadnayak, said there have been instances of tourists falling from the Nata Mandap structure while taking selfies and photos and being careless. Many of them have been seriously injured.

Similarly, some visitors were seen touching and scratching the monument. Hence, for the preservation of the monument and the safety of tourists, the restriction on entr

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