Ram temple to be quake-resistant with 1,000-yr life span, says Trust

Ayodhya: The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be designed to endure large-magnitude earthquakes and will have a lifespan of at least 1,000 years. “Pillars in the foundation will be strong and deep like those holding aloft mammoth bridges straddling mighty rivers, making the structure robust and quake-resistant,” said Champat Rai, general secretary, Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Friday. Intricate details of the design will be ready soon, he said.
Talking to reporters at Karsewakpuram in Ayodhya, he emphasised the Ram temple will be able withstand any natural calamity for thousands of years. “Artefacts unearthed during digging and levelling of the temple site, including centuries-old relics will be exhibited in the temple premises,” he said.
Talking about funds for constructing the temple, he said, the Trust account has a current balance of Rs 42 crore, received from donations ranging from Re 1 to Rs 1 crore. “At least 20,000 seers across India participated in the temple movement and it wasn’t possible to invite all. We could send invites to only 90 seers from outside Ayodhya and 52 from the temple town,” he said.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rai said, “Despite drawing criticism in time of crisis, the PM visited Ayodhya and offered prayers to Ram Lalla and paid his respects to seers. People across India celebrated the historic moment.”
He also revealed that Larsen & Turbo officials, who will execute the project, visited him on Thursday and told him the map of the foundation was in final stages. “We will get the map passed by Ayodhya Development Authority and will pay the fees. We are not seeking any fee exemption,” he said.