Every religious place, praycation or pilgrimage space, echo reverence. Yet, challenges in maintaining their sanctity are ceaseless. From bustling pilgrimage sites to revered heritage landmarks, the preservation of religious sites demands a delicate balance between tradition and technological advancement. Sudha Chakrapani, Director, Lion Services Pvt. Ltd-Global Excellence Group, explores the new approach required to safeguard the cultural treasures.
There are three main areas in any religious places usually that requires maintenance. The outer perimeter, the inner perimeter and the inside area (except the sanctum where the idol is kept). The outer perimeter, often inundated with pilgrims and visitors, poses a formidable task in maintaining order and cleanliness. Take, for instance, the iconic Amritsar Golden Temple, a beacon of Sikh devotion attracting throngs from across the globe. Here, the meticulous maintenance of the outer waiting areas, approach paths, and parking facilities becomes paramount to prevent logistical bottlenecks that could impede the devotees. Regular cleaning, including the sanitization of toilets every two hours, underscores the commitment to ensuring a seamless and dignified experience for all visitors.
Preserving Heritage Amidst Modernity
The confluence of tradition and modernity presents a unique set of challenges in the maintenance of heritage religious sites. Mindful preservation becomes imperative, particularly when dealing with architectural marvels steeped in history. For example, the Taj Mahal. The pristine white marble façade of this UNESCO World Heritage Site faced the threat of discoloration due to environmental pollutants, necessitating a delicate balance between conservation and innovation. Mechanical cleaning methods must be employed with the utmost caution to safeguard the structural integrity of these revered monuments, underscoring the imperative of leveraging technology while honouring tradition.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Automation helps streamlining maintenance operations, particularly in expansive external perimeters. Where space permits, the deployment of automated systems can revolutionize upkeep practices, enhancing efficiency and reducing human intervention. However, in instances of spatial constraints, the maintenance teams must be leveraged to explore alternative solutions in keeping with the site requirements.
The responsibility of preserving religious sites embodies commitment to honouring the legacy of faith and tradition. By blending tradition and modernity, we can navigate the challenges in religious site maintenance.
List of Destinations identified under Swadesh Darshan 2.0
Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota, Arakku-Lambassingi; Arunachal Pradesh, Nacho, Mechuka; Assam Jorhat, Kokrajhar; Bihar, Gaya, Nalanda; Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur ; Goa, Porvorim, Colva; Gujarat Dholavira, Dwarka; Haryana, Panchkula (Morni); Himachal Pradesh, Pong Dam; Jammu & Kashmir, Basholi; Jharkhand, Chandil; Karnataka, Hampi, Mysuru; Kerala, Kumarakom, Kozhikode (Beypore), Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot; Maharashtra, Sindhudurg, Ajanta-Ellora (District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar); Manipur, Moirang (Bishnupur); Meghalaya, Shillong, Sohra; Mizoram Aizawl, Champhai; Nagaland, Niuland, Chumukedima; Odisha Koraput, Debrigarh along with special attraction of ‘Khinda Village’; Punjab Amritsar, Kapurthala; Rajasthan Bundi (Keshoraipatan), Jodhpur; Sikkim Gangtok, Gyalshing; Tamil Nadu Mamallapuram, The Nilgiris; Telangana Bhongir, Ananthagiri; Tripura Agartala, Unakoti; Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj, Naimisharanya; Uttarakhand Pittoragarh, Champavat; Chandigarh Chandigarh; Lakshadweep Lakshadweep; Puducherry Puducherry, Karaikal; and Ladakh Leh, Kargil.