'Waste to art': Lav-Kush Park in Ayodhya to feature Ramayan tales depicted through scrap artworks

A 17.72 crore Lav-Kush Park is being developed in Ayodhya under the Uttar Pradesh smart city mission, focusing on environmental protection and cultural preservation through art installations.

Under the Uttar Pradesh smart city mission, the Lav-Kush Park will come up near the Maushivala MRF Centre here on the Raebareli highway at a cost of Rs 17.72 crore.

The park, being developed by the Ayodhya municipal corporation, will be based on the 'Kachre se Kala (waste to art)' theme, where tales from the Ramayan will be depicted through scrap metal sculptures, artworks and interactive installations.

The aim is to integrate environmental protection, sustainable development and cultural preservation, according to an official statement.

The municipal corporation said construction work will begin soon, asserting that the entire park will be built using environment-friendly materials.

Municipal Commissioner Jayendra Kumar said, ''The park will mainly focus on the stories of Lord Ram's sons Lav and Kush. These popular stories from the Ramayan will be presented through modern art, so that coming generations can connect with ancient history.''.

He said this is being seen as an important step towards making Ayodhya a smart city. ''Infrastructure, cleanliness and tourism facilities are already developing rapidly in Ayodhya, and the Lav-Kush Park will further strengthen this development.''.

In keeping with the 'Kachre Se Kala' theme, waste and scrap material collected from the city will be used to create grand sculptures, models and installations. Episodes involving Ram and Sita, Lav and Kush, the 'Ashwamedh Yagna', the exile, and other significant events from the epic will be depicted through sculptures crafted from scrap metal.

Interactive installations will immerse visitors into the epic narrative, the statement said, adding that the park will feature 3D models and sound-light shows.

Special tours and workshops will be organised for school and college students to spread awareness about environmental protection and waste management.

After religious places like Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, the Lav-Kush Park will become a new attraction for tourists in Ayodhya, the statement said. Devotees of Lord Ram will not only get an immersive spiritual experience here, but also witness environment-friendly development.

The park will have facilities such as walkways, gardens, seating arrangements, lighting and security.

This project will be a unique blend of public art, culture and sustainable development, the statement said, adding, experts believe that such parks not only boost tourism but also strengthen the local economy.