Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is a city that beckons with a rich culture and spirituality. This ancient city, situated along the banks of the Sarayu River, holds a unique place in the hearts of millions as the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
In an endeavour to harness Ayodhya's potential as a tourist destination while bolstering its economic development and employment prospects, a consortium comprising CP Kukreja Architects, LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd., and L&T has been entrusted with the task of designing a comprehensive infrastructure plan for the city. This blueprint is poised to encompass crucial aspects such as town planning, transport, traffic management, financial sustainability, and harnessing renewable resources.
Ayodhya's timeless aura and profound significance have made it a pilgrimage centre for countless devotees for centuries, adorned with numerous temples, ashrams, and holy sites. OT spoke to Dikshu Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, to understand the blend of tradition and innovation that will shape Ayodhya's destiny, uniting its heritage with the demands of the modern world.
Can you share some insights into how CP Kukreja Architects aligns with the vision of the Uttar Pradesh government in reconstructing Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is a city with immense historical and cultural significance. Our involvement in its reconstruction was tasked with preserving and restoring its heritage structures and sites. This included renovating ancient temples, ghats, and other historical landmarks while maintaining their original architectural style and cultural importance. To accommodate the needs of a growing population and tourism, we designed modern infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, sewage systems, and utilities, while ensuring these developments did not compromise the historical and cultural character of the city. We worked on designing a layout for the township that promotes efficient land use, minimises congestion, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
Preserving Ayodhya's cultural and religious heritage is a key aspect of this project. How will your team integrate these cultural values into the new design and infrastructure?
The project's design reflects the grandeur of Ayodhya. It draws inspiration from the elements of Dravidian temple architecture, paying homage to the city's past and significance as a pilgrimage centre. The riverfront development and rejuvenation, the museum, and the accommodations for tourists not only enhance the city's appeal to tourists but also provide opportunities for employment growth and sustainable regional development. By balancing tourism facilitation with environmental conservation and cultural preservation, the project has the potential to promote Ayodhya's unique cultural identity and contribute to the city's economic growth and social well-being.
Ayodhya holds immense significance as a centre of pilgrimage. How will the project enhance the experience for tourists while respecting the sanctity of the city's religious sites?
We've designed modern and welcoming visitor centres located on the outskirts or at strategic entry points of the city. These centres can inform tourists about the city's history, religious significance, and important sites. We've created pedestrian-friendly zones around religious sites to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution. This can improve the overall experience for tourists and pilgrims while preserving the area's sanctity. We've proposed information kiosks and signage that detail each site's historical and religious significance. These can be placed discreetly to avoid visual clutter but should be easily accessible to tourists. We've developed guided heritage walks that take tourists through the city's historical and religious landmarks.
The project involves riverfront development and rejuvenation. Could you elaborate on the sustainable and environmentally friendly aspects of this component?
To address the problems associated with the ghats and bund areas along the riverfront, riverfront development and rejuvenation are proposed. This includes a riverfront boulevard, an integrated road network, a promenade with a walkway and cycle track, and public activity spaces. Environmental conservation, river revival, and green embankments are essential for sustainable development and providing amenities such as public toilets, changing rooms, and better accessibility.
Upgrading the existing museum is a part of the project. How do you envision this museum contributing to celebrating Rama's rich history and engaging visitors?
Expanding and upgrading an existing museum is a crucial element of the project. It will showcase the journey of Rama through engaging exhibitions and regional programs, which will be interactive and equipped with modern technologies. It will also include a visitor information centre and a cafe, with spaces for temporary and permanent exhibitions.
The plan includes accommodations for tourists outside the city centre. Can you explain the strategy behind this decision and how it will alleviate congestion in the core city?
Ayodhya's core city area contains numerous historical and religious sites of great significance to pilgrims and tourists. By keeping accommodations outside the core city, authorities can help preserve the sanctity and peaceful atmosphere of the central religious areas. This separation allows tourists to visit the core city for religious and cultural experiences without overwhelming it with the logistical demands of large-scale tourism.
Balancing tourism facilitation with environmental conservation is a critical challenge. How do you plan to address this balance in the project?
We have introduced eco-tourism initiatives, encouraging visitors to engage with and support the local ecosystem actively. Furthermore, we collaborate closely with environmental experts and agencies, ensuring our projects adhere to the highest environmental standards and guidelines. Beyond this, we actively engage with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that tourism development benefits the local economy and contributes positively to the surrounding environment. While these principles form the bedrock of our approach, we remain flexible and adaptable, tailoring specific strategies to each unique project, all in pursuit of striking the optimal balance between tourism facilitation and environmental preservation.
In what ways do you see this project contributing to the economic growth and social well-being of Ayodhya and its residents?
This project holds significant potential to substantially contribute to the economic growth and social well-being of Ayodhya and its residents through many avenues. The undertaking will engender a surge in job opportunities, spanning from skilled labour positions to roles within the hospitality and tourism sectors, providing residents with a valuable source of livelihood. Moreover, the heightened influx of tourists facilitated by the project is poised to translate into increased spending on accommodations, dining, and patronage of local businesses, thus invigorating the local economy.
Could you share some unique architectural and design elements inspired by Dravidian temple architecture that will be incorporated into the project?
To pay homage to the artistic legacy of Dravidian architecture, detailed stone carvings depicting mythological and religious motifs will grace the walls and pillars. Intricately sculpted pillars, aside from their structural role, imbue a sense of grandeur, reflecting the enduring tradition of this architectural style. Locally sourced stone materials utilised in Dravidian temples will maintain authenticity and contribute to the design's longevity. Finally, the distinctive pyramid-shaped roofs, adorned with ornate decoration, will grace key structures within the project.