New Delhi, June 5: The 400-year-old Tawang monastery ? one of the finest expressions of Buddhist architecture and culture in the country ? could soon lose its glory and unique character. Newer buildings, structures and colour schemes in the famed monastery have dramatically altered its original skyline.
A report by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) has virtually sounded a red alert, recommending a masterplan for its upkeep. The only surviving original building in the entire complex is the Kanjur Lhakhang or the library, states the report titled Conservation Appraisal for Tawang Monastery. Most old buildings in the monastery have been demolished, reconstructed or altered considerably.
?A combination of several factors, like lack of awareness, the vulnerability of the old structures and the apprehension that the Archaeological Survey of India might intervene in the management if the monastery is to be protected has led to the current disorder,? Intach?s programme director Janhwij Sharma said. He said the report would soon be sent to the monastery, the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Union ministry of tourism and culture for proper action in this regard.
Alterations have been made not only in the residential area but also in most religious centres. A kitchen block and administrative unit have sprung up in the last decade as the old structures were demolished.
A major change has been the replacement of the original roofing material by corrugated galvanised iron sheets. ?All these new roofs are painted yellow. This is in stark contrast to the original design, a reflection of the influence from the plains that has dramatically altered the skyline of the monastery,? the report said.
It has recommended a set of comprehensive measures to restore the monastery?s historical flavour.
Intach has suggested that the monastery be declared a ?heritage precinct?. The other recommendations include documentation of the entire complex through survey, retention of the old structures and buildings, training courses for the lamas (monks) and appointment of a ?heritage committee? that will be responsible for the monastery?s maintenance and upkeep.
Despite the government?s tall claims on promoting tourism infrastructure in Tawang, the report has said that facilities like toilets and eateries, among others, need to set up.
The monastery is a unique example of Buddhist architecture in the eastern Himalayan region, comparable only to Rumtek in Sikkim. Even international organisations are willing to offer assistance for its preservation. ?We visited Tawang two-and-half years ago, and were impressed by the historical and cultural value of what we saw. We have gone through the report prepared by Intach and since then we have been trying to arrange for funds from private organisations in the US,? said Joe Wood, director of Bridge Fund, by e-mail. The Bridge Fund offers assistance to Tibetan communities in western China.