Conservation and restoration of protected monuments, especially the ones that date back to thousands of years, should be done in consultation with experts, said Consultant of Heritage and Conservation and Culture and former Superintendent of Orissa Sate Archaeology B.K. Rath.
He was here to study the conservation and restoration process of the Buddhist sites of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda on the request of INTACH, Vizag chapter.
He said the process was not undertaken as desired. He would be submitting his report to Chairman of INTACH.
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“The process is scientific and it needs the understanding of the subject, historic and archaeological value.”
He pointed out that both Thotlakonda and Bavikonda were Buddhist monastery sites and inhabited by monks who had practised the Hinayana form of Buddhism in the 3rd century BC.
He was critical about the construction of modern enclosures with concrete and stone sculptures.
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“The Hinayana form of Buddhism shunned any form of Buddha idol worship. If we start building modern Buddha figures, the character of the site is impacted,” said Mr. Rath. According to the conservationist, tourism is directly linked to ancient archaeological sites and historic monuments, and value addition is as important as conservation, but both need to be done within the prescribed international norms.
Referring to both the sites, he said, “The excavation is not yet done fully and there could be a wealth of information hidden. Any form of construction within 300 metres of the regulated area should be discouraged,” he pointed out.
Both the sites could be one among the 88,000 stupa sites where relics of Lord Buddha could have been kept by Emperor Asoka.
Ms. Rani Sarma of INTACH said that the sites should be handed over to Archaeological Survey of India, as the State Archaeological Department neither has the funds nor the expertise to take care of the sites.
“The fate of the sites cannot be left to the APTDC, as they are not the experts,” said Ms. Rani Sarma.