Matribhumi Samachar English
Lucknow. Sunday, 3 May 2026
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has taken a proactive step toward ecological preservation by partnering with Banaras Hindu University (BHU). As Ayodhya experiences an unprecedented boom in religious tourism, a specialized team from BHU’s Department of Environmental Science will conduct a comprehensive survey to monitor and mitigate the environmental impact on the holy city.
The Scientific Shield: BHU’s Role in Ayodhya’s Future
Following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Ayodhya has seen a massive influx of devotees, leading to a rapid rise in the construction of hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas. While this boosts the local economy, it has placed significant stress on the local ecology.
Current Environmental Status:
Recent data indicates that Ayodhya’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stands around 160, placing it in the ‘Moderate’ category. To prevent this from deteriorating further, the BHU team—led by experts with backgrounds from prestigious institutions like IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee—will analyze:
-
Emission Sources: Identifying the primary contributors to air pollution, from construction dust to vehicular exhaust.
-
Noise Mapping: Assessing decibel levels in high-density zones to maintain the spiritual tranquility of the temple.
-
Waste Management: Evaluating the efficiency of current solid and liquid waste disposal systems.
Strategic Objectives of the Survey
The partnership between the Temple Trust and BHU is not just about data collection; it is about creating a roadmap for Sustainable Religious Tourism.
| Focus Area | Expected Outcome |
| Traffic Control | Recommendations for e-mobility and pedestrian-only zones. |
| Green Cover | Scientific planting of trees that act as natural air filters (bio-fencing). |
| Waste Disposal | Implementation of zero-waste protocols for flower offerings and plastic. |
A Legacy of Technical Excellence
The choice of BHU is significant. The Vice-Chancellor of BHU, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, has previously been associated with IIT Kanpur and served as the Director of IIT Roorkee—both institutions that played a foundational role in the structural engineering of the Ram Temple. This survey ensures that the same level of scientific rigor used to build the temple is now applied to protecting its surrounding environment.
Clarifications
-
AQI Levels: While some local reports suggest “rising pollution,” current data shows the AQI is “Moderate” (160). The survey is a preventative measure rather than a response to an existing ecological crisis.
-
Scope: The survey isn’t limited to the temple’s inner sanctum; it extends to the entire periphery, including the Ram Path and Bhakti Path to account for pilgrim movement.
Relevant Links
For more detailed updates on the environmental and cultural developments in Ayodhya, you can explore the following sections from Matribhumi Samachar:
