Preserving heritage sites

A temple like that is our link to an inter-communal past which has universal and contemporary appeal. Unicef has a worldwide programme aimed at preserving the heritage sites of mankind; we should be part of it, not only in theory but also in practice.

The neglect shown to the temple amounts to neglecting the community that it belongs to. Renovation of the temple is urgently necessary because the dilapidated structure can no longer be used by the devotees.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

There is no dearth of rhetoric on the need for preserving our historical relics, but what we watch in practice is something very different. Obviously, we cannot present ourselves as a heritage-conscious nation to the outside world when such treasures are uncared for, virtually abandoned.

Successive local administrations have apparently failed to do their bits in stemming the tide of ruination. Now, the higher authorities will have to intervene to save the temple with some wherewithal given for the job. The department of archaeology must go into the matter and also look for other sites and places in the country which need urgent protective attention.