The Archaeological Survey of India's Dehradun circle recently presented a compelling visual narrative of its conservation efforts at the revered Kedarnath shrine. The showcase occurred during the three-day '2025 World Summit on Disaster Management,' offering attendees a detailed look at the temple's remarkable recovery journey.
Documenting Recovery Through Photography
The photo exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, served as a powerful testament to the restoration work undertaken following the devastating 2013 catastrophe. This tragic event had not only claimed over 6,000 lives but also severely damaged the ancient temple's facade and platform, leaving the religious site in a precarious state.
The event was jointly organized by the Uttarakhand State Convention for Science and Technology and the state government at a private university venue. Through carefully curated before-and-after photographs, visitors could witness the dramatic transformation of the sacred site.
Comprehensive Restoration Efforts Revealed
Superintending archaeologist Mohan Chand Joshi provided detailed insights into the conservation project, which spanned from 2013 to 2018. The work was conducted under the direct guidance of the ASI's director general and additional director general (conservation), ensuring the highest standards of archaeological preservation.
"We displayed before-and-after photographs to highlight the conservation work and present the Shri Kedarnath temple in a befitting manner to devotees," Joshi explained. The exhibition also featured images documenting the restoration of the Shri Badrinath temple and other significant monuments under the Dehradun circle's jurisdiction.
Technical Details of the Conservation Project
The scale of the restoration work was monumental in both scope and precision. According to official ASI records, teams successfully removed 489 cubic metres of debris from the temple plinth alone. Additionally, approximately 635 square metres of rubble were cleared from the surrounding area, making the site accessible and safe once again.
The conservation approach combined traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific methods. Damaged sections of the temple walls received reinforcement through careful stone packing, while the roof over the mandapa and the temple steps underwent comprehensive repairs. Wherever possible, original stone blocks were meticulously reset to maintain historical authenticity.
The ASI's science branch contributed significantly by performing chemical cleaning and preservation treatments. Meanwhile, skilled artisans from Rajasthan demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship in carving replacement pieces using locally sourced gneiss stone, ensuring material consistency with the original structure.
Adding academic rigor to the project, a team from IIT Chennai provided expert assistance in assessing the temple's structural integrity and foundation stability. This collaborative approach between traditional artisans, archaeological experts, and engineering specialists ensured a holistic conservation strategy.
The exhibition not only celebrated the successful restoration but also served as an important case study in disaster management and heritage conservation, demonstrating how ancient structures can be preserved for future generations despite facing nature's fury.
