Ayodhya, a city which holds a huge historical and religious importance, famed for being the birthplace of Shri Rama is embracing the sustainable ways for its development. It is now making strides towards more responsible and eco-friendly future for itself.
Attempts towards Sustainability- Major Decisions
- Creation of two sewage treatment plants to ensure zero discharge policy in which pollutants or waste from the Ram Janmabhoomi’s premises will not be released in the environment of Ayodhya.
- Electric cars which are made in India for transporting the devotees around the city and the main temple. It will not only pollute the city less but also promote use of environment-friendly alternatives.
- 70% of the temple complex’s area of 70 acres is to be used as a green space with planting of trees to lower down the Air Quality Index of the area and promote healthy ecosystem in that area.
- Using solar energy mostly for the temple’s own consumption, installation of solar-powered LEDs all around the city to reduce carbon footprint.
- AI-based Sustainable Development Index is getting implemented for the whole city which would guide and assist the state government towards the sustainable use of resources to build infrastructure and making various arrangements to handle the huge influx of devotees who visit Ram Mandir.
- Bisleri Greener Promise , a part of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has committed to install 200+ bins in the area of 5km around Ram Mandir for the responsible plastic waste disposal. They will also appoint staff to create awareness among people to sort their waste before dumping it in the bins.
Ayodhya, a city steeped in history and spirituality, is making remarkable strides toward sustainable tourism. Heritage conservation lies at the heart of these efforts, with ancient temples, ghats, and historical sites meticulously restored and maintained. Eco-friendly practices are encouraged, including waste segregation, plastic reduction, and tree planting.
Tourists are invited to explore local crafts and savor traditional cuisine, supporting local artisans and farmers. Awareness campaigns educate tourists about responsible behavior, cultural sensitivity, and conservation. Ayodhya’s vision is to harmonize tourism growth with environmental preservation and cultural richness.
Community-based tourism (CBT) is an essential aspect of Ayodhya’s transformation into a global tourism hub. Here are some key points:
- Ayodhya’s metamorphosis is supported by robust infrastructure initiatives, both by the government and private sector.
- The “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)” scheme has revitalized religious tourism, sparking interest in destinations like Ayodhya.
- Approximately 178 projects worth up to ₹30,500 crore aim to develop Ayodhya into a world-class city, spanning sectors like hospitality, transportation, urban development, and heritage conservation.
Tourist Interest and Investment:
- Hotel chains like Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and Marriott International are eyeing Ayodhya for expansion, recognizing its tourism potential.
- The government’s USD 10 billion makeover plan includes new airport facilities, revamped railway stations, and enhanced connectivity infrastructure.
Local Community Benefits:
- Ayodhya’s holistic approach isn’t just about attracting tourists; it aims for sustainable, inclusive growth.
- CBT involves engaging local communities, ensuring that economic benefits reach them directly.
- Initiatives like lodging facilities, ashrams, and state bhavans contribute to community well-being.
What more can be done ?
- Creation of vertical gardens and living walls on buildings in the city which would help to enhance biodiversity in Ayodhya.
- Make the city completely pedestrian-friendly which would reduce the bad effects of pollution , will be useful to manage traffic too.
- Businesses in the area should be presented with lucrative incentives to adopt sustainable practices in their work.
- Using open spaces in Ayodhya to generate solar and wind energy to make city dependent on renewable energy for the power it needs.
Controversy ended, harmony ensued
Ayodhya has seen lot of controversy and court cases regarding the dispute between the followers of Sanatana and Islam regarding the demolition of the Babri Mosque which stood at the site hindus regarded as the exact place where Shri Rama was born. After the verdict of the Indian Supreme court in 2019 in favour of the hindu petitioners, the site was given to the Hindu community to build a temple over it. Muslims were allocated land of five acres to build a mosque, which is expected to be constructed soon too. It is expected for this to get extreme number of tourists from various religions and has geared up for this new challenge. Various steps have been taken to transform this city in a better yet sustainable way.
Ayodhya is seen as one of the holiest cities for the followers of the Sanatana dharma , also known as Hinduism in general . Situated on the banks of Saryu river in the state of Uttar Pradesh , it welcomes millions of devotees all around the year who want to visit the Rama Janmabhoomi , the birthplace of Rama.
It is said to be first established by Manu, who holds the distinction of being the ” first man” in the holy scriptures , also said to be the father of whole human race. Dasaratha, father of Shri Rama took this city to greater heights in terms of prosperity and made it the crown of the Kosala kingdom.
Ayodhya: A City holy to All
Other holy temples like Hanuman Garhi temple, dedicated to Shri Hanuman, a key figure in Ramayana and various ashrams enrich the spiritual experience of the devotees in the city.
Followers of Jainism also have a deep connection with the place as it is said to be the birthplace of five great spiritual heads of Jainism ( known as Tirthankars). Many Jain people too visit this city each year for the purpose of pilgrimage.
Conclusion
Ayodhya has definitely shown a dynamic forward thinking approach for its future development and urban planning . It is expected to be the highest visited religious place on the planet and feels the need to develop itself at an astronomical pace. Present happenings in the city will be a key to preserve it’s ancient heritage as well as preparing it as a sustainable city which would be the pride of India.
